Fort San Domingo
Fort San Domingo
4
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Fort San Domingo, located on the hilltop overlooking Tamsui River estuary, was established by the Spanish in 1628. It was torn down by the Spanish before they were expelled from Tamsui by the Dutch in 1642. The Dutch then built Fort Antonio near the ruins of Fort San Domingo. Since the local inhabitants in Tamsui at the time referred to the Dutch as "red hair savages," the fort was nicknamed "Hong Mao Chen," meaning the "Red Hair Fortress." In reference to the early Spanish occupation, we now use the original Spanish name Fort San Domingo to represent the historic site, although the actual castle we see today is the Dutch fortress Fort Antonio. Fort Antonio is a two story cube-shaped building, measuring 15.25 meters on all four sides while standing 13 meters tall. The deep foundation, thick walls, and mix of stones and bricks provide the fort with strong and effective fortification. Following the Opium War, the British government leased the fort from the Qing government for their consulate. Modifications were made accordingly for consular business. To accommodate the needs of the consul's family, the consular residence was then built on the eastern side of the fort. This Victorian building was constructed with red bricks and features verandas as well as a four-sided steep roof, providing a warm and delicate atmosphere. The fusion and influence of Dutch and British architecture has painted the "Green Hill" and surroundings with a unique balanced quality.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Fort San Domingo and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Tamsui / Bali District
The enchanting Tamsui Old Street boasts the most beautiful Fisherman’s Wharf sunset of Taiwan. There are also well-complimented delectable snacks such as Ah Gei (bean curd) and fish ball, etc. On Bali left bank, there is the Ferry Old Street and Wazihwei Nature Reserve. It is relaxing and comfortable whether by strolling or cruising through on a bike. Besides the bustling business district, Tamsui is also full of an old vintage flavor. From western architectural relics to residences dating back to Japanese rule, each with their respective features and great stories to tell. If you visit Tamsui in spring, the magnificent cherry blossoms of Tianyuan Palace are a must see. If you wish for further intimacy with nature, why not camp out for the night under the starry sky. The Bali culture park camping site offers round, transparent bubble tents. Experience the close, seamless connection to surrounding nature from within for an unforgettable memory.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
259 within 3 miles
Attractions
164 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
321 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
162
Average
71
Poor
5
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
boocat149
BC66 contributions
Nov 2019
Others reviews have covered all there is to say about the site but I considered that folks like me might like to know the cost of admission. In November 2019 I paid 80 NT$
There is assistance to get to the fort for those who are elderly or have difficulty with mobility. I expect you can ask for a ride in those circumstances. We just happened to come out after paying the entrance fee when the fellow pulled up with the cart and offered us a ride. My 20 something companion was delighted because I am older than dirt so he offered me the ride. Not sure if the option is open to you if you are fit. Actually - the walk is quite nice - we did it down.
There is assistance to get to the fort for those who are elderly or have difficulty with mobility. I expect you can ask for a ride in those circumstances. We just happened to come out after paying the entrance fee when the fellow pulled up with the cart and offered us a ride. My 20 something companion was delighted because I am older than dirt so he offered me the ride. Not sure if the option is open to you if you are fit. Actually - the walk is quite nice - we did it down.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
celica001
Fujisawa, Japan605 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
It's a magnificent red brick building that has been witnessing Taiwan's turbulent history for about 400 years since the early 17th century. The old Western furniture and interior are well worth a look.
When we visited, there was a lively group of junior high school students there, so it was a shame we couldn't take our time to appreciate the exhibits.
You need a ticket to enter, which I think was 80 NTD for adults.
When we visited, there was a lively group of junior high school students there, so it was a shame we couldn't take our time to appreciate the exhibits.
You need a ticket to enter, which I think was 80 NTD for adults.
Written May 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ave Salvante Jr.
Laguna Province, Philippines381 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
The place offers a very nice view of the Tamsui river. Beautifully maintained grounds with cool breeze gives a very relaxing ambiance. Some old cannons used for defense is on display. Inside the fort buildings are some display of the antique furniture and equipment used before on the site. There is no entrance fee and they have a gift shop where you can purchase some souvenirs.
Written October 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yehwanyun
Taipei, Taiwan95 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
If you can spend one day in Tamsui district and are a historical spot lover, don’t forget to visit this place. It is not very big so it’s very easy to walk the whole area, and there are many introductions to provide you the history, culture background of this, very helpful information to help you understand everything around you. Recommend take 60mins for this spot.
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlvinNJQ
Singapore, Singapore60 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
If you are a person who love historical building and history than is recommended. Location at Tamsui station, would recommend you to walk as is roughly about 15 minutes to reach destination. Along the way there are shop houses the whole stretch of road. Once there you need pay $80 for entrance.
Written April 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jameshuang
Taipei, Taiwan2,004 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Tamsui Former British Consulate (前淡水英國領事館) is located in Tamsui about 20 km (12.4 mi) from Taipei Station. The history can traced back to 1628 when the Spanish occupied northern Taiwan and built a wooden fort, Fort San Domingo (聖多明哥堡), at the hilltop overlooking Tamsui River. Later it was destroyed by the Spanish after losing the war to the Dutch in 1642. The Dutch rebuilt the fort at the same site in 1644 and renamed it as Fort Antonio (安東尼堡). Because the locals called the Dutch “ang mo” (meaning red haired people in local language), the local residents call it Ang Mo Fort (紅毛城) to this day. British government had rented the fort as an embassy between 1867 and 1950 during the official diplomatic with ROC and continuously used it as an unofficial embassy until 1972.
The fort was listed as a grade one National Historical Site in 1980 and was the oldest architecture in Taiwan. It is open to public as a museum. The site now includes Fort Antonio (formal British embassy), Formal British Consular Residence (領事官邸) and the South Gate built during Qing Dynasty in 1724. The fortress was built at the hilltop of the Tamsui River estuary because the location allowed them to protect and monitor the ships coming from Taiwan Strait into the inland Greater Taipei Area. The British Consular Residence is a beautiful red brick two-floor western style building. It has a red brick exterior with corridors, arches and inclined roofs, making it a traditional British Colonial-Style building. Taipei City Government updated its interior setup in recent years, including the living room, dining room, study room, staircases and others. We saw a unique service calling bell intercom that can receive the call from service bells installed in rooms on the property. The 13 m (42.7 ft) tall fort has 15.25 m2 (164 ft2) of space and 2 m (6.6 ft) walls. Today, you can go inside exploring the rooms with detailed information on-site.
The site is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm. The admission is NT$80. You can include the nearby attractions in Tamsui and make it a whole day trip. The famous Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街) is within walking distance. It is easy to find coffee shops and restaurants nearby.
The fort was listed as a grade one National Historical Site in 1980 and was the oldest architecture in Taiwan. It is open to public as a museum. The site now includes Fort Antonio (formal British embassy), Formal British Consular Residence (領事官邸) and the South Gate built during Qing Dynasty in 1724. The fortress was built at the hilltop of the Tamsui River estuary because the location allowed them to protect and monitor the ships coming from Taiwan Strait into the inland Greater Taipei Area. The British Consular Residence is a beautiful red brick two-floor western style building. It has a red brick exterior with corridors, arches and inclined roofs, making it a traditional British Colonial-Style building. Taipei City Government updated its interior setup in recent years, including the living room, dining room, study room, staircases and others. We saw a unique service calling bell intercom that can receive the call from service bells installed in rooms on the property. The 13 m (42.7 ft) tall fort has 15.25 m2 (164 ft2) of space and 2 m (6.6 ft) walls. Today, you can go inside exploring the rooms with detailed information on-site.
The site is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm. The admission is NT$80. You can include the nearby attractions in Tamsui and make it a whole day trip. The famous Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街) is within walking distance. It is easy to find coffee shops and restaurants nearby.
Written February 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naihpos
Singapore, Singapore2,089 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
Had to pay 80twd to get into here.. require walking if u may wish to note.. pretty interesting visit if u are into history.. and some pretty nice building to take as a backdrop for your wedding photos(a couple in wedding suits did)..
Written January 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RTWtraveler213
Jakarta, Indonesia462 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Located not far from Tamsui harbor area. Can walk in about 30 minutes. A bit of a hill to climb, but some nice views of the waterfront and some old historic buildings. Nearby university is worth a visit as well. Nice gardens around this area.
Written May 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandasTouring
Singapore, Singapore19 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
The original Fort on this spot was built by the Spanish in 1628 and this land finally returned sovereignty to Taiwan in 1980. Witnessing the cycles of fortune of Formosa & Taiwan through 400 years, this extremely well preserved & scenic historic attraction is a definite must see when visiting Tamsui or even Taiwan, if you were to fully appreciate the history of this beautiful island!
Fort San Domingo is nearby to other historical landmarks worthy of exploration within walking distances such as the former British Consulate, former buildings setup by well-loved Canadian missionary Dr. McKay around Aletheia University, Hobe Fort and a little further away, Tamsui Old Streets.
Fort San Domingo is nearby to other historical landmarks worthy of exploration within walking distances such as the former British Consulate, former buildings setup by well-loved Canadian missionary Dr. McKay around Aletheia University, Hobe Fort and a little further away, Tamsui Old Streets.
Written May 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerre B
Melbourne, Australia135 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
We went on a free tour with two student guides, other than them leading the way, we didn't learn much. The fort was great but I would have liked to have a knowledgable guide. I felt I could have gotten a lot more out of the trip.
Written July 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing