Come on ..let’s travel to Taiwan Fort San Domingo

Fort San Domingo was built by the Spanish in 1626, and is one of the oldest buildings in Taiwan. It’s an impressive place with a tangible sense of history, and also great views of Guanyinshan and the Danshuei River.

The Spanish were evicted by the Dutch, who were in turn evicted by Jheng Jheng-gong, a Ming Dynasty loyalist fleeing the Cing takeover of mainland China.

Much later, British diplomats occupied the fort for more than a century (during which time they didn’t pay any rent). In 1891, they constructed a beautiful two-floor redbrick residence for the consul; to this day, it is a superb addition to Danshuei’s streetscape.

Within the old consulate are offices, bed chambers, and what used to be jail cells. The latter were for British nationals awaiting trial or deportation. Britons doing business or missionary work in Taiwan enjoyed extraterritoriality - effective immunity from local laws. This did not, however, mean they would not be punished by their own government if they broke laws.

In Chinese, the fort is called “Hung Mao Cheng,” meaning “fort of the red-haired foreigners,” because it was built and used by Westerners.

Fort San Domingo is around two kilometers from Danshuei MRT Station. Because Danshuei’s streets are narrow, and because a lot of the less famous - but equally interesting - sights are to be found in backalleys and other nooks and crannies, walking is an excellent way to get here if you have energy.

The fort is currently closed for renovation: When it reopens to the public on July 1, 2005, it will be a centerpiece of Tamsui Cultural Relic Park. Tamsui is the 19th-century name of Danshuei.

Address: No.1, Lane 28, Jhongjheng Rd., Danshuei

TEL: (02) 2623-1001

Open Time 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Public Transit: Fort San Domingo can be reached by Tzunan Bus Co. A route, from Hongshulin MRT Station, or Red Bus 26 from Danshuei MRT Station.

Personal Transit You are advised not to attempt to drive to or park nearby this spot.

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