Fort San Domingo

With over 300 years of history, Fort San Domingo (also known as Red Hair Fort) is arguably Tamsui's most prominent historical building. In 1629, the Spanish invaded Tamsui, and to consolidate their colonial enterprise in northern Taiwan, they built 'Fort Santo Domingo' here as their base. In 1642, the Dutch expelled the Spanish and rebuilt the fort on its original site. At that time, the Dutch were referred to as 'Red Hairs,' which led to the enduring name 'Red Hair Fort.' In 1867, it was leased by the British, who undertook extensive renovations and built the 'British Consulate' on its eastern side to serve as the consul's residence. The consulate's red arcades and green balusters beautifully complement the fort, significantly enhancing its appeal. Fort San Domingo was not reclaimed and taken over until 1980 (the 69th year of the Republic of China). From this vantage point, overlooking the Tamsui River, its strategic location and the 'Sunset at Fort San Domingo' (Shùtái Xīzhào) have long been considered one of the 'Eight Views of Tamsui,' combining historical monuments and scenic beauty in one place. After visiting the fort, if you have ample time, consider stopping by a café or garden restaurant across the street for a short break. This area is located above Riverside Park. Sitting in a quaint eatery, leisurely sipping a cup of coffee, or savoring seafood while admiring the natural beauty of the Tamsui River estuary and Mount Guanyin in front of you, is truly a delightful experience!