Locally known as ‘Dutch City’, Pailao Fort is situated on a highland near the west side of Keelung Harbor, at an elevation of nearly 70 meters. The fort, also referred to as ‘Dutch City Fort’, was built during the Dutch occupation of Taiwan and served as a defensive line on the western shore of the harbor. The primary function of Pailao Fort was to destroy enemy ships with its firepower outside the harbor, and its linear arrangement of cannons was designed to unleash a massive barrage, achieving the goal of a ‘sea-controlling fort’. The fort has a rectangular layout with four cannon positions in the gun platform area, each with a diameter of about 15 meters, constructed with solid iron and cement. Behind the cannon positions, there are inclined slopes leading to the ammunition storage below. The command post and observation deck are located on the hills to the left and right, offering a broad view of the entire Keelung Harbor. Unfortunately, there are no cannons at Pailao Fort now; only the remains of the four cannon positions and the parapet walls can be seen. The command post on the left has been renovated, but by climbing the stone steps from the pavilion to the observation deck on the right, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue sea, with a refreshing scenery. The fort is open all year round from 7:00 to 19:00.
