Fort Provintia

Fort Provintia is a historic fortress in West Central District with three square terraces crowned by Chinese pavilions featuring curved roofs. The walls are made of red brick and oyster-shell mortar that give the structures a warm ochre tone.

The Dutch East India Company erected the fortress in 1653 as an administrative center for trade in southern Taiwan. After the Dutch were expelled it was rebuilt by Chinese rulers and later used by Japanese authorities as a hospital.

The name derives from the Dutch province of Zeeland and recalls the original role as a trading post. Today the grounds serve as a public park where visitors stroll between pavilions and enjoy views over the surrounding district.

The site is open daily and admission requires a paid ticket with prices varying by age. The terraces are best visited in late afternoon when light highlights the red brick and heat subsides.

The walls were reinforced with a mixture of sugar water and glutinous rice juice as binding agent for the oyster-shell lime. This method helped protect the structures against moisture and erosion over centuries.

Location: West Central District

Inception: 1653

Architectural style: Chinese architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Fee: Yes

Address: 臺南市中西區民族路二段212號

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:30-21:00

Phone: +88662205647

Website: https://historic.tainan.gov.tw/index.php?option=module&lang=en&task=pageinfo&id=189&index=2

GPS coordinates: 22.99750,120.20281

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:35