Fort Zeelandia Guide

Located in Tainan City, Taiwan, Fort Zeelandia is a historical site that is definitely worth visiting. It was built in 1624 by the Dutch East India Company and served as a military stronghold for over 200 years. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into Taiwan's colonial past.

Location

The approximate latitude and longitude of Fort Zeelandia is 23.0009° N, 120.1603° E.

History

Fort Zeelandia was originally built by the Dutch as a trading post and military stronghold. They named it "Fort Zeelandia" after the Dutch province of Zeeland. Over the years, the fort was expanded and reinforced to withstand attacks from various enemies, including the Chinese and the Japanese.

In 1661, the fort was captured by the forces of Koxinga, a Chinese general who was fighting against Dutch colonial rule. Koxinga renamed the fort "Anping Castle" and used it as a base to launch attacks on the Dutch. The fort remained under Chinese control until Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895.

During World War II, the Japanese used the fort as a military base. After the war, it was turned over to the Republic of China and designated as a national historic site.

What to See

Fort Zeelandia is a large complex that includes several buildings and structures. Some of the highlights include:

• The main gate, which is decorated with a relief of the Dutch coat of arms
• The East Gate, which is the only remaining original gate of the fort
• The Commanding Officer's Residence, which has been restored and now houses a museum
• The South Gate, which offers a great view of the surrounding area
• The moat, which is still filled with water

Visiting Tips

• Fort Zeelandia is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm daily.
• Admission is free.
• There are guided tours available in English and Chinese.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat as there is not much shade.

Overall, Fort Zeelandia is a fascinating historical site that is definitely worth a visit. It offers a glimpse into Taiwan's colonial past and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.