A must-visit fort santo in Tamsui, New Taipei City.

#9月好去2025 The sea breeze in Tamsui always carries a salty and poetic aroma. Walking along Tamsui Old Street, the river still shimmers with the morning light, while the distant mountains and the horizon are bathed in a light mist. Climbing the stone steps, Fort San Domingo rests quietly on the hill, like a silent watchman, gazing at the ebb and flow of centuries.

Red Bricks and Time

Upon first sight of Fort San Domingo, the hue of its red bricks stands out against the lush green backdrop. The moss on the corners of the walls whispers of the ruthlessness of time, while the mottled window frames reveal the warmth of history. Here, there have been Spanish footprints, Dutch guns, Qing Dynasty garrisons, and whispered conversations with the British consul. Every colonial memory, like a whisper on the wind, slowly echoes through the cracks of this ancient fortress.

Window Views and Distant Views

Opening the arched windows, a panorama of river and sea unfolds before your eyes. The Tamsui River estuary shimmers with shimmering waves, dotted with fishing boats, and the distant silhouette of Guanyin Mountain stands like a silent guardian. Standing on the balcony, the gentle sea breeze makes one feel as if they are outside of time. A former strategic fortress, it now serves as a stage for lovers to relax and enjoy the view, the weight of history gently enveloped by the setting sun.

Walking Through It

The exhibition halls within the fortress display artifacts from past dynasties, from Qing Dynasty inscriptions to British tea sets, all testament to cross-cultural exchange. Walking through it feels like flipping through a thick volume of poetry, each page imbued with the light and shadows of a foreign land and the memories of the land. The sound of footsteps echoes on the stone pavement, interweaving with the birdsong to form a low yet distant melody.

A Poetic Ending

As the sun gradually sets over the Tamsui River estuary, Fort San Domingo is stained with golden and orange-red hues, resembling an oil painting. At this moment, time seems frozen, history intertwined with the present, vicissitudes of life coexisting with romance. Fort San Domingo is more than just an ancient fortress; it is a poem flowing through the ages, quietly awaiting every traveler to understand its breath in the sea breeze.

Post by 日本出發環球旅行者 | Sep 11, 2025