Chihkan Tower

Chihkan Tower, built in 1653, was constructed by the Dutch who had stationed themselves in southern Taiwan at the time. Originally named "Fort Provintia," it stood in strategic alignment with Fort Zeelandia in Anping, forming a defensive pair. While Fort Zeelandia served as the political center under the Dutch governor, Fort Provintia played an important role as the administrative and commercial hub.

The structure of the fortress consists of three slightly square-shaped platforms connected together, with a Western-style building constructed atop each platform. The construction technique of the walls was quite meticulous—oyster shell lime mixed with sugar water and glutinous rice juice was used as an adhesive, and the walls were built layer by layer with red bricks and stones. Strong as rock, these walls have withstood over 300 years of weathering, and remnants of the thick walls and arched gates are still visible today.

After more than three centuries, Chihkan Tower now stands majestically in the old capital with its sweeping eaves and red-tiled roof. It has served as a Western-style fortress during Dutch rule, a Chinese-style pavilion during the Qing dynasty, and even as an army hospital during the Japanese colonial period. Today, it has been transformed into a museum preserving historical memories, quietly bearing witness to the changes of history and the passage of time.