Introduction
As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and similarly, Taiwan has a long history of fortifications, beginning with the European forts constructed by the Dutch East India Company and the Spanish Empire in the 17th century. As imperial policies evolved during the Qing period, both officials and local gentry not only preserved these existing structures but also constructed new walls. Over time, these fortifications spread across Taiwan, and some still stand today as significant cultural heritage sites.
The National Palace Museum archives house a rich collection of Qing-era documents and images depicting Taiwan’s fortifications, including several rare and unique pieces. Each text and illustration tells the story of how these structures evolved through the centuries.
This exhibition brings together our archival materials, rare books, and original roof tiles from the old prefectural capital, offering a detailed view of life within and around Taiwan’s historic walls.