Tamsui Church

Tamsui Church is a white Gothic-style building featuring pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a bell tower positioned on a hill with views over the Tamsui River. The structure combines its main worship space with surrounding grounds that offer visitors room to explore the grounds and take in the landscape.

The church was established in 1859 by American missionary George Leslie Mackay as one of the earliest Protestant churches in northern Taiwan. Its creation marked a turning point in the arrival and growth of Christian faith in the region during that period.

The church serves as an active gathering place where the local community comes together for worship and social events that shape daily life in the area. Religious observances blend with community traditions, creating a space that holds both spiritual and social meaning for residents.

Visitors can reach the church by using the Tamsui MRT line and explore both the interior and surrounding grounds without paying any entrance fee. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since the location sits on a hill with steps and pathways to navigate.

The church grounds include the Mackay Hospital, the first Western medical facility built in northern Taiwan, which continues operating today. This hospital emerged from the same missionary effort as the church and remains in service to the community.