1.South Gate&nbsp; &nbsp; 2.Ticket Office&nbsp; &nbsp;3.Information Desk
4.Souvenir Shop&nbsp; &nbsp; 5.Fort Antonio

6.Old Cannon Area&nbsp; 7.British Consulate Residence&nbsp; 8.Gate of Exchange
Tour Routes
​Route A (Enter from South Gate of Fort San Domingo)​
​Route B (Enter from Gate of Exchange at Aletheia University)​


1.South Gate&nbsp; &nbsp; 2.Ticket Office&nbsp; &nbsp;3.Information Desk4.Souvenir Shop&nbsp; &nbsp; 5.Fort Antonio 6.Old Cannon Area&nbsp; 7.British Consulate Residence&nbsp; 8.Gate of ExchangeTour Routes ​<a href="https://www.muguide.world/zh-TW/fortsandomingo/fortsandomingo23"></a><a href="https://www.muguide.world/en-US/fortsandomingo/fortsandomingo23">Route A (Enter from South Gate of Fort San Domingo)</a>​ ​<a href="https://www.muguide.world/zh-TW/fortsandomingo/fortsandomingo13"></a><a href="https://www.muguide.world/en-US/fortsandomingo/fortsandomingo13">Route B (Enter from Gate of Exchange at Aletheia University)</a>​

Fort Santo Domingo

淡水紅毛城

อักษรไทย

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Melayu

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日本語

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Route A:Consul's Residence First Floor: Restaurant

Route B:Consul's Residence First Floor: Restaurant

​At the rear of the second floor, in front of the nanny’s bedroom, there is a relatively narrow staircase leading down to the servants’ working and living quarters on the first floor. This staircase was designated exclusively for servants. In the consular residence, servants were only allowed to use this staircase, while the grand spiral staircase at the main entrance was reserved for the family and their guests.In British upper-middle-class society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was common to employ servants to handle household chores, and there was a clear separation between the spaces for the family and the servants. This division is evident in the consular residence as well. Apart from the staircases, the front half of the residence belonged to the family, while the rear half was the servants’ rest area. Without the family’s summons, servants were not permitted to enter the family’s space.How did the family summon the servants? Let’s head back to the dining room on the first floor to see how the “servant call system” worked!​

Staircase for servants (Second floor to first floor)

隱藏的僕役樓梯

A End of Route

B Route:Old Cannon Area

At the last stop we come to the servant working and living space on the first floor of the official residence, where there is a great difference in the architectural details and decoration of the first half of which belongs to the master's space, and the head office of the “Servant Call System” is in the corridor of this space. The kitchen at the end of the corridor also retains some of the kitchenware from that year. Initially, the official residence was used by a water well located near the South Gate. In 1901, the main castle and the consular building completed the laying of the water pipes in the building, and finally there was convenient access to tap water, and the well was naturally decommissioned. Today's tour gives a paragraph here, sincerely hope you have a pleasant journey of knowledge today and welcome you again, thank you!

Consul's Residence First Floor: Kitchen

領事官邸一樓的僕役呼叫鈴、廚房

We are now in the dining room on the first floor of the consular residence. The overall design is warm and elegant, serving as a place where the owner of the residence dined and entertained family, friends, merchants, and officials. At the back of the dining room is a connected pantry. After the cook prepared the dishes in the kitchen, the servants would deliver them to the pantry. When it was time to serve, the dishes would be placed at the serving hatch, and another servant in the dining room would bring them to the table.A call bell is installed near the dining room entrance and beside the fireplace. The owner of the residence could press a button, activating the “servant call system.” This would ring a bell at the central console, and the number plate representing the location would drop simultaneously, allowing the servants to know where their service was needed. These call bells were installed in ten locations, including the entrance hall, living room, dining room, and bedrooms.

Consul's Residence First Floor: Restaurant

領事官邸一樓的餐廳

​Route A:First floor of the Consul's residence

Route B:First floor of the Consul's residence

Standing under the veranda, feeling the gentle breeze and admiring the centuries-old Tamsui sunset, doesn’t it feel wonderfully relaxing? In those days, the British consul and his family often invited friends, British merchants and officials in Taiwan, or merchants and officials from other countries to sit on the spacious veranda for afternoon tea, enjoy the scenery, or watch lawn tennis, savoring a leisurely time.The large lawn in front of you was where the British played lawn tennis, and it is also Taiwan’s first lawn tennis court. The origins of tennis are debated, but it initially began as an indoor sport. In the 19th century, the British improved the game by moving it outdoors onto grass, adding diversity and fun to the sport. To maintain the lawn, a heavy iron roller was used to flatten the grass, and you can find this roller on the lawn near the old cannon area.Now, let’s step inside the residence to experience the atmosphere of British life in the 19th and 20th centuries!

Outdoor Space

領事官邸(二樓衛浴設備)

Route A:Official Residence Cockloft

Route B:Staircase for servants (Second floor to first floor)

The second floor of the consular residence is arranged with three bedrooms: the master bedroom, a children’s room, and a guest room. There is also a room for the nanny.You might have noticed that fireplaces for heating can be found in the living room, study, dining room on the first floor, as well as in all three bedrooms on the second floor. Although the relatively warm climate of Tamsui meant the British likely didn’t need fireplaces, fireplaces were a common feature in British homes at the time. This architectural element was brought to Taiwan, serving more as a nostalgic reminder of home for the British residents.The second floor also has a modern-looking bathroom. In fact, it wasn’t until 1932 that the consular residence installed up-to-date sewage and hot water systems. Prior to this, the British Consulate in Tamsui was the only consulate in Tamsui without a sewage system, which caused significant inconvenience for the consul, their family, and visiting guests. After these systems were installed, not only were the residents and guests satisfied, but even the hard-working servants were allowed to use hot water, improving their quality of life.

Consul's Residence (Second Floor)

領事官邸(二樓)

Route A:Consul's Residence (Second Floor)

Route B:Consul's Residence (Second Floor)

​The consular residence is oriented north to south, with a floor plan resembling an inverted “T” shape. The British consuls stationed in Tamsui often brought their families and employed numerous servants, so the residence has many rooms.Upon entering the first floor, the first feature you’ll see is a grand and elegant spiral staircase. The staircase is carved from stone, and the handrail is made of wood, intricately adorned with beautiful patterns. The front left section of the first floor includes the living room and study, while the right side houses the dining room. The rear section was used as the working and living area for the servants.The floors in the entrance hall, living room, and dining room are covered with vibrant tiles, arranged in intricate and beautiful patterns. These tiles, preserved since 1891, were produced by a major British tile manufacturer and are the earliest examples of British-imported tiles in Taiwan. In 1921, electric lights and fans were installed in the residence. The electric ceiling fans currently mounted in the living room and dining room were manufactured in 1941 by General Electric.​

First floor of the Consul's residence

領事官邸(一樓)

Route A:Outdoor Space

Route B:Outdoor Space

Before entering the interior of the consular residence, let’s explore the veranda and discover the thoughtful design elements incorporated by the architect.The residence features spacious verandas on its east, west, and south sides, designed to prevent direct sunlight from entering the house and to keep rainwater from splashing indoors—ideal for Taiwan’s hot and rainy climate. The southern veranda, which is 3 meters wide, was part of the original construction, while the eastern and western verandas, each about 5 meters wide, were added later. The veranda floors are designed with small perforations to increase grip and reduce the risk of slipping on rainy days.The ceilings of the east and west verandas feature wavy fireproof flooring, constructed by placing curved iron plates over I-beam girders (the “I” shape resembles the Chinese character 工, meaning “work”). This construction method, developed in the late 19th century, was an advanced technique at the time. The British Consul’s Residence of the Qing Empire is currently the only example of this architectural style in Taiwan.

Under the Cloisters British Social Culture

迴廊下的英式社交文化

​Route A:Under the Cloisters British Social Culture

Route B:Consul's Residence Garden Entrance and exterior details

​Standing in front of the main entrance of the consul’s residence, look up at the two columns flanking the doorway. These columns feature 12 relief decorations known as “brick carvings,” including motifs such as the “thistle,” symbolizing Scotland, the “rose,” representing England, and the inscription “VR1891.” “VR” stands for Victoria Regina, referring to Queen Victoria, and 1891 marks the year the residence was completed. You might also notice that only the two columns beside the main entrance have these decorative brick carvings, while the other columns are plain, emphasizing the significance of the entrance.Now, look down at the foundation of the residence, which is elevated about 1 meter and includes ventilation openings. This design prevents moisture from accumulating. Interestingly, the ventilation grilles are designed in the pattern of Chinese coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. On either side of the stairs leading to the main entrance, you’ll also find mud scrapers, thoughtfully installed to help clean dirt and sand from shoe soles.It’s worth noting that although the design of the residence was by a British architect, the construction was carried out by Taiwanese craftsmen using materials primarily sourced from China or Taiwan. For instance, the red bricks and roof tiles came from Fujian, while the green vase-shaped railings were sourced from Guangdong and Fujian. This blend showcases a unique fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles.​

Appearance of the Consul's residence

領事官邸外觀

Route A: Consul's Residence Exterior.

Route B: Cloisters & British Culture.

​In 1877, the British built a wooden bungalow on the east side of the main fort in Fort San Domingo as a residence for the consul and his family. Later, due to issues with humidity, earthquakes, and termites, it was rebuilt in 1891 as a two-story brick building. Over the years, the structure underwent several renovations to become the building you see today.The consular residence, with its striking red exterior, is an example of Victorian-style architecture, named after Queen Victoria of England. During her reign, buildings were known for their classical elegance and grandeur, often constructed with red or yellow bricks. The residence is also an example of British Colonial veranda-style architecture. It features a European structural base adapted for colonial climates, typically elevated on foundations, with two stories of brick construction, sloped roofs, prominent chimneys, surrounding veranda spaces, and landscaped grounds with grass and decorative plants.Standing in front of the lawn and looking at the residence, you’ll notice that the veranda’s exterior is formed by a series of arches. The arches on the first floor are gentle and curved, while those on the second floor are semicircular. This not only adds variety to the building’s appearance but also enhances the lighting for the first-floor veranda. The green, vase-shaped railings under the arches are a common element in British Colonial veranda-style architecture, creating a sharp contrast with the red brick structure and adding to the building’s decorative appeal.​

 Consul's Residence Garden Entrance and exterior details

前清英國領事官邸建築花園入口

Route A: Conservator's Garden Entrance

Route B:Main Fortress Building

​Here you can see several large cannons, both Chinese and Western styles. One of the Chinese cannons is inscribed with the words: “In the 18th year of Jiaqing (1813), this large cannon for the Tamsui camp in northern Taiwan was cast by imperial decree, weighing 800 jin.” The “jin” was an ancient unit of weight measurement. During the Jiaqing era, the Qing Empire built a new cannon platform on the eastern riverbank below Fort San Domingo and stationed troops here. These cannons were originally placed on that platform but were later moved into Fort San Domingo by the British.Standing here and looking at the main fort and the consul’s residence, you might notice the stark contrast in their architectural styles. The main fort exudes a grand and robust military character, while the residence showcases a refined and classical elegance. Now, let’s head to the consul’s residence to appreciate its unique charm!​

Ancient Bombardment Platforms, Ancient Bombardment Platform Area

古砲區

Route A:Old Cannon Area

Route B:Former Staff Quarters

Climbing the exterior stairs of the main fort to the second floor, the space before entering the interior was originally a terrace added by the British to provide easier access to the second-floor offices. The walls of the terrace were designed with a crenellated pattern and equipped with loopholes for shooting, enhancing the defensive function. Later, the British added a roof over the terrace, giving it the appearance you see today.According to records from 1938, the British divided the second floor into spaces such as the consul’s office, secretary’s office, living room, and secretary’s quarters. The consul’s and secretary’s offices were equipped with fireplaces for heating. The secretary’s office also featured an incinerator and a safe. The incinerator was used to destroy confidential documents, while the safe stored valuables and important files.What were the duties of the British Consulate at that time? In addition to the consular jurisdiction mentioned earlier, their primary tasks included handling international affairs, looking after British citizens living or trading in Tamsui, and managing customs duties, making their workload quite busy.This concludes the tour of the main fort. Next, please follow us to the British Consul’s Residence to continue the visit. Between the main fort and the consul’s residence is a large lawn, and along the pathway behind the lawn, there’s a little surprise waiting for you!

Second Floor, Main Castle, Red Hair City

紅毛城內部（二樓）

Route A: Segundo piso del fuerte

Route B: Segundo piso del fuerte.

The walls of this courtyard are made of stacked stones and stand 3.6 meters high, with a red brick floor creating an enclosed space. This was the “exercise yard” where prisoners confined in the cells could get sunlight and stretch their limbs, serving as their only outdoor activity space.Next, let’s head to the second floor to learn more about the British planning for the main fort!

Breezeway

放風處

Route A:Wind Passage Courtyard

Route B:Wind Passage Courtyard

​Standing on the first floor of the main fort, you may have noticed its unique structure. First, the walls are extremely thick, approximately 2 meters, making them capable of withstanding attacks from ancient artillery. The second feature is the vaulted ceiling, which has a purposeful design: the first floor features east-west arches, while the second floor has north-south arches. These perpendicular arches create a force that strengthens the building, making it resistant to earthquakes and less likely to collapse.When the British leased Fort San Domingo, they began renovating the fortress, which had been abandoned for some time. In addition to painting the exterior walls red and constructing watchtowers, they also partitioned the first floor into four cells and added a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and a courtyard surrounded by tall walls on the west side of the main fort. The cells were small, with observation holes and food delivery slots on the doors. In 1858, the Qing Empire and Britain signed the Treaty of Tientsin, which, among other provisions, opened ports such as Tamsui for trade and granted Britain consular jurisdiction. This meant that British nationals who committed crimes within Qing territory were to be investigated and punished by the British Consulate. To detain these offenders, the cells were added to the first floor of the main fort.As for the courtyard mentioned earlier, what was it used for? Let’s head there and take a look!​

Main Fort First Floor

紅毛城內部（一樓）

Route A:First Floor of the Main Fortress

Route B:First Floor of the Main Fortress

Do you know why the Dutch named this fortress “Fort Antonio” after rebuilding it? It’s because the person who led the mission to drive the Spaniards out of Tamsui and ordered the reconstruction of the fortress was named Antonio van Diemen. He was the governor of the Dutch East India Company at the time, responsible for overseeing Dutch trade, diplomacy, military operations, and colonial governance in Asia under the authority of his country. Interestingly, Governor Antonio never set foot in Taiwan, but during the Age of Exploration, he was a key figure in establishing and expanding Dutch influence in Asia. That’s why this fort was named after him.Since the 15th century, European nations have actively sought trade opportunities and resources across the seas. When they sailed into East Asian waters, they discovered rich natural resources and highly profitable trade routes. They competed to establish trading posts at key ports and even resorted to colonial rule to maximize their benefits. Taiwan, surrounded by the sea, became a crucial hub for trade in East Asia since the 16th century. With its abundant resources such as rice, sugar, and deer hides, Taiwan became a coveted target for both the Dutch and the Spanish.​

Governor Anthony

紅毛城安東尼總督

​Route A:Governor Anthony

​Route B:Governor Anthony

​The Spanish chose this location to build Fort San Domingo because it is situated on a hill on the north bank of the Tamsui River, offering a commanding position with significant military advantages. Later, Fort San Domingo became one of the key bases for Spanish trade and missionary activities in Taiwan. When the Dutch defeated the Spanish, they recognized the strategic importance of this site and decided to rebuild Fort San Domingo near the original location.After the Qing Empire defeated the Zheng family, they renovated Fort San Domingo in 1724. However, with adjustments in defense strategies, the fort gradually lost its military function and fell into obscurity. In the 1860s, Tamsui became one of the treaty ports, attracting foreign merchants, officials, and missionaries, which brought a turning point for the fort. In 1867, the British leased Fort San Domingo from the Qing Empire to use it as a consulate, transforming it from a military fortress into a diplomatic site and bringing it back into public awareness.Before entering the main fort, take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River. This spot is also renowned as a prime location for watching sunsets. Since the early Qing Dynasty, Tamsui’s “Sunset at the Battery” has been recognized as one of the “Four Scenic Views of Tamsui,” “Eight Scenic Views of Tamsui,” and “Eight Scenic Views of Northern Tamsui.” The “battery” refers to the high defense tower, which is Fort San Domingo.​

Location of Fortress

堡壘的地理位置

Route A:Geographical Location of the Fortress

Route B:Geographical Location of the Fortress

​In front of the main fort of Fort San Domingo, there are nine flags flying, symbolizing the nine nations or regimes that have governed this site. The flag on the far left is the Spanish flag, representing the Spaniards who first built Fort San Domingo in Tamsui. Next is the Dutch flag, symbolizing the Dutch who rebuilt Fort Antonio (now Fort San Domingo) near the ruins of the original fort. The third flag belongs to the Zheng family, representing the period after 1662 when Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) drove out the Dutch, took control of Taiwan, stationed troops at the Tamsui River, and began repairs on Fort San Domingo. However, before the repairs were completed, the Qing Empire defeated the Zheng family and incorporated Taiwan into its territory. The fourth flag represents the Qing Empire.The fifth flag is the British flag, signifying the period from 1867 when the British leased Fort San Domingo for use as a consulate. During World War II, the consulate was forced to close and was temporarily taken over by Japan. After the war, the British returned to Fort San Domingo and remained until 1972, when they closed the consulate and left Taiwan. Due to the perpetual lease agreement, the British handed over the management of the fort to Australia and the United States, which is why you also see their flags. Lastly, the flag of the Republic of China symbolizes the official handover of Fort San Domingo to the ROC government in 1980.​

Fortress History - Nine-Sided Flag

堡壘的歷史

​Route A:Nine Flags

Route B:Nine Flags

​As you walk along the pathway and turn the corner, the first thing you’ll see is a red cubic building—this is the main fort of Fort San Domingo. The main fort is approximately 15 meters long and wide, with a height of about 12 meters, and it is divided into two levels.Is Fort San Domingo named after its red exterior? Not at all! The fortress you see today was built by the Dutch in 1644 and was originally called “Fort Antonio.” At that time, local residents referred to the Dutch as “red-haired foreigners,” which is how it came to be known as “Fort San Domingo.”However, before the Dutch arrived in Tamsui, there was already a fortress here. The Spanish built it in 1628 after arriving in Tamsui and called it “Fort San Domingo.” In 1642, the Dutch, who had established a trade post in Tainan, sent troops north and expelled the Spanish from Taiwan. Fort San Domingo was destroyed in the process, and the Dutch later rebuilt the fort near the original site, creating the structure you see today.The Dutch-built Fort San Domingo originally had a grayish-white exterior. During the British lease period, the fort was painted vermillion red, and watchtowers were added to the northeast and southwest corners for observation and defense.​

The main fortress building of the Red Hair City

紅毛城建築

​Route A:Main Fortress Building

​Route B:South Gate Entrance

The red-brick building next to the ticket booth was constructed in 1933. It originally served as a staff dormitory for the British Consulate and now functions as the Information Service Center for Fort San Domingo. In 1867, Britain and the Qing Empire signed the “Permanent Lease of Fort San Domingo,” establishing the consulate within the fort. This staff dormitory was one of the additional buildings constructed later. The building is a quadruplex, meaning it is divided into four units, each with a similar layout that includes a living room, bedroom, and kitchen. It primarily housed consulate staff such as drivers, mail couriers, and gardeners. On the other side of the pathway, there is another red-brick duplex building, which at the time served as a dormitory for boatmen.

Former staff quarters

職員宿舍

Route A: Former Staff quarters

Route B: Ending

​Welcome to Fort San Domingo, part of the Tamsui Historical Museum in New Taipei City. This fortress has witnessed nearly 400 years of Taiwan’s history. Every corner and every brick carries traces of the past.At the entrance of Fort San Domingo, you’ll find a building covered in green vines with the words “South Gate” inscribed on it. This gate, constructed in 1724, features a rounded arch made of heavy stone blocks. At that time, Qing Dynasty official Wang Jian, stationed in Tamsui, renovated Fort San Domingo and added four Chinese-style gates in the east, south, west, and north directions along the walls. Today, only the South Gate remains.Does this pique your curiosity about Fort San Domingo’s history? Would you like to learn about the events it has experienced? Follow the audio guide and let’s explore the fort together!​

Entrance (South Gate of Red Hair City)

入口處

​Today’s tour comes to an end here. We sincerely hope you had an enjoyable and educational experience today. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Thank you!​

 End of Route

a路線結尾

​Route A:Entrance 

Welcome to Fort San Domingo, the Tamsui Historical Museum in New Taipei City. This fortress has witnessed almost 400 years of Taiwan’s history. You can find the trace of history in every corner and brick.

A Line opening

a路線開頭

Route A:Staircase for servants

From the rear side of the second floor of the residence, you can see this attic space, created by the sloped roof. It features three skylights for natural lighting and was primarily used as a storage room in the past, although it also served as a bedroom for servants at one point. The roof of the consular residence is designed with a “hipped roof” structure, sloping downward in four directions—east, west, south, and north. This design not only facilitates drainage but also increases the interior height, providing insulation against heat