Fort Santo Domingo, Spanish colonial fort in Tamsui, Taiwan
Fort Santo Domingo is a Spanish colonial fortress positioned on a hill above the Tamsui River in Tamsui District, New Taipei. The red brick walls enclose a central courtyard, while the defensive ramparts feature large arched openings that frame views across the river mouth.
The Spanish built a wooden fortification in 1628, which the Dutch later rebuilt in stone during 1644 and named Fort Antonio. The British took over the site and used it as a consulate before returning it to Taiwan.
The fort received its local name, Hong Mao Cheng, from Taiwanese residents who called the Dutch settlers red-haired people during the colonial period.
The Red Line of the Taipei Metro runs to Tamsui Station, from where the riverside path takes around 20 minutes on foot. The climb up the hill is moderately steep and offers several viewing points along the way.
The fortress houses the oldest remaining structure in northern Taiwan. The last surviving gate from the original Qing Dynasty stone wall built in 1724 still stands on the grounds.
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