Fort San Domingo

Fort San Domingo is the most prominent monument to foreign involvement in Taiwan. It was first built in 1629 by the Spanish. The fort was intended to aid the imposition of Spanish rule over the local Chinese and aboriginal populations in North Taiwan.

The fort was captured by the Dutch in 1642 when they drove the Spanish from the island. The Dutch replaced the Spanish-built stockade with a fort made of stone. The fort became known as the "Hung-Mao Cheng" (Fort of the Red Hair) in reference to the foreign appearance of its Dutch occupants.

In 1867, the British leased the fort and undertook massive renovations, including the construction of the imposing British Consulate in the eastern section of the fortress compound. The consulate's red brick verandah and red roof tiles complement the color scheme and design of the fort.

In 1980, Fort San Domingo was designated as a historic site of the first grade. Its position overlooking the mouth of the Tamshui (Danshui) River makes it a particularly attractive scenic spot, especially at sunset. Local visitors, particularly young couples and students, love taking photographs around the fort.