Fort Santo Domingo
Fort San Domingo | |
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紅毛城 | |
Tamsui, New Taipei City, Taiwan | |
Coordinates | 25°10′31″N 121°26′00″E / 25.1753°N 121.4332°E |
Type | Fort |
Site information | |
Website | Fort San Domingo |
Site history | |
Built | 1644 |
Built by | Spanish Conquistadores (demolished structure) Dutch East India Company (extant structure) |
External images | |
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Aerial photograph of Fort San Domingo: The rectangular architecture in the front is the main fortress of Fort San Domingo, while the two-storied building behind it is the former British consul's residence. | |
Taiwan Historical-Site Stamp: Fort San Domingo: The 5-dollar stamp produced by the government of Taiwan in 1985. | |
Taiwanese Commemorative Coins of 2010: The sculpture in the back of 100 dollar is the main architecture of Fort San Domingo |
Fort Santo Domingo | |
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Hanyu Pinyin | Shèng Duōmínggē chéng |
Southern Min | |
Hokkien POJ | Sèng Domingo Siâⁿ |
Fort Santo Domingo is a historical fortress in
In 1724, the
After the war, it was returned to British control. The site was used as an unofficial British embassy until 1972, though official diplomatic relations between
The site of Fort San Domingo includes the main fortress, the former British consul's residence, and the south gate built during Qing dynasty. Among the architectures, the main fortress is one of the oldest buildings on the whole island, and there were four cannons placed in the front of the fortress, which could be traced back to Jiaqing era. The former British consul's residence is on the east side of the main fortress, and is a two-storey English-style building. The south gate is the only Chinese style architecture among all the buildings, and is made from Guangin Stones.
Fort San Domingo is located near Hobe Fort, which was built during the late Qing era.[2]
History
Spanish Era
After the Spanish established a permanent colony at San Salvador (Palm Island; modern-day
After a failed first attempt in 1641, the Dutch made a second expedition on 3 August 1642: "the Dutch appeared off Tamsui with a comparatively powerful squadron of four frigates, a large cutter, nine small vessels, besides several transports..."[5] After the Dutch mounted artillery at an elevation commanding the fort, they succeeded in taking the fort on 24 August. The Dutch also expelled the Spaniards from nearby Keelung. The Spanish fort in Tamsui had by then already been razed by the Spanish themselves. It is also claimed that no traces remain of the forts on Palm Island, as they were destroyed by Zheng Jing, son of Koxinga.[3]
Dutch era
The Dutch then became the "undisputed masters of Formosa", and built a new fort on the site with the intention to maintain the trade of
In 1644, they replaced it with the structure still standing today, also called Fort Antonio. The "Old Dutch Fort" made of brick and stone has been described as "impregnable against any engines of war that those early days could produce."[6]
The locals called the Dutch "the red-haired people", which led to the compound's Hokkien name (Chinese: 紅毛城; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Âng-mn̂g-siâⁿ; lit. 'ang mo fort').[1]
Qing era
From 1683 to 1867 the
Following the
The Fort is adjacent to
Modern era
The consulate closed during World War II and reopened after the end of the war. The premises remained as the British consulate in Taiwan until 1972, when the United Kingdom recognized the People's Republic of China. It then served as the Austrian embassy in Taiwan for a few months, until that nation also recognized the PRC. Aletheia University then attempted to acquire the fort, but no deal was reached by the time negotiations ended in 1978. The government of the Republic of China terminated the lease in 1980, taking ownership of the fort by 30 June. It was opened to tourists on 25 December 1984.[7]
The fort is classified as a grade one listed historical site and is now a museum with the interior recreated from photographs. In 2003, maintenance of the site was entrusted to the
Tourist information
The fort and the former British consular residence, an elegant Victorian house fused with some Chinese elements, now function as a museum. The location provides a beautiful outlook on the Tamsui River and Guanyin Mountain.
The fort is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm. There is an NT$80 charge for admission, with some exceptions.
Transport
The fort is accessible within walking distance North West from
See also
- Fort Provintia
- Fort Zeelandia (Taiwan)
- Cape Santiago (Taiwan)
- Eternal Golden Castle
- Taiwan under Dutch rule
- History of Taiwan
References
- ^ OCLC 25747241.
- ^ Shan, Shelley (19 Sep 2016). "'Old Dutch Fort' in Tamsui reopens after repairs". Taipei Times. p. 3.
- ^ a b Davidson (1903), p. 20.
- ^ Tamsui Map+Guide 2011. Tamsui Historical Museum.
- ^ Davidson (1903), p. 22.
- ^ a b Davidson (1903), p. 23.
- ^ Han Cheung (27 June 2021). "Taiwan in Time: Fort San Domingo: do not enter". Taipei Times. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
- ^ Liu, Roger (27 July 2003). "Historic fort handed over into Taipei County's care". Taipei Times. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
Bibliography
- OL 6931635M.