Tag: travel

Huwei Fort
臺北縣淡水鎮中正路1段6卷34號
886 (02) 26295390
admission: 50NT

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Just 1 kilometer from Fort San Domingo is Huwei Fort.  At 1st glance, you’d know that it was meant for military action.  I also noticed that the place had a lot of plants & small animals.  Visitors could definitely sit there on the top and enjoy the view (well just make sure that the weather is not hot when you visit).

In 1886, following the Sino-French war, the Chinese government decided to strengthen Taiwan’s coastal defenses thus Huwei Fort was built.  To ensure the strength & structure of this fortress, German engineer Max E. Hecht was hired to oversee the construction project.

Huwei Fort construction was finished in 1889 but it was never used in any war hence it is still intact.  The Fort was designated as a 2nd class historical site in 1985.  It has been open to the public since then.

One thing to note is the architectural characteristics of Huwei Fort.  It’s called The Hidden Fort as it’s located at high altitude & covered by surrounding woods thus it could not be found easily.  It has fortified walls, massive gates, batteries & steep steps to its ramparts.

There is an inscription above the entrance that reads “北門鎖鑰” (Key to the Northern Gate).  This inscription denotes the importance of the fort in the defense of the island.

More pictures taken at the Huwei Fort here.

淡水紅毛城 Fort San Domingo
臺北縣淡水鎮中正路28卷1號
886 (02) 26231001
admission: 60NT

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Tamsui’s most famous site is Fort San Domingo.  It is one of the most treasured historical site in Taiwan.  Fort San Domingo could trace its origins back to 1626 when it was a Spanish colony.  Through the years, a lot of nationalities clashed & fought with each other in Tamsui and Fort San Domingo is the perfect witness of that rich history.

When we entered the place, I made sure that I get the 10NT brochure of the place.  I was certain that I had to do a lot of reading in order to understand the rich history of Tamsui’s Fort San Domingo.  I could really feel that this is a place close to the heart of taiwanese people.   We were even lucky enough to go to Fort San Domingo when they were having the UNESCO Heritage Days that celebrate the historic sites of Tamsui.

Here are the series of events that can describe simply the various cultures that made Fort San Domingo to what it is now:

• 1629-1641 – Spanish army occupied Tamsui as the base of their colony in Taiwan
• 1642-1661 – the Dutch colonized Southern Taiwan & drove out the Spaniards.  The Dutch built a new fort on the site called Fort Antonio.
• 1683-1867 – Chinese government controlled the fort.
• 1868-1972 – the British took over the fort & made it their trade consulate.
• 1980 – Republic of China reclaimed the land.  The fort was classified as a grade one listed historical site & was renovated & opened to the public.

Fort San Domingo has 2 buildings in its site:

• Fort Antonio

• Former British Consular Residence

More pictures here.