Tainan Confucius Temple 臺南孔廟
One of the most famous temples in Taiwan
The Tainan Confucius Temple or 臺南孔子廟 is one of the most famous historic temples in Tainan, as well as whole of Taiwan. It was built in 1665 with the approval of Zheng Jing 鄭經, the son of Koxinga, who ruled over parts of Southern Taiwan in the late 17th century (source). This temple is a major tourist attraction and the whole area is full of interesting historic and popular spots, but none can match with the beauty and the significance of this temple. My wife and I had the pleasure to visit it on a beautiful morning, below are some of my pictures from that day.
I really like Confucius temples, because they are simple in design, they don't go too much in colorful ornamentation and in addition, they are usually very solemn and peaceful. This one doesn't impress with its size or architecture in particular, but with the rich history and the significance for Tainan as a city and Taiwan as a whole. If you're a Taiwan enthusiast, you definitely have to put it on top of your must-see places.
[My 2012 SOUTH TAIWAN tour][My TAINAN page][All photos by MKL, 2012]
2 KAFKAESQUE COMMENTS:
Your blog is so informative! I didn't have an idea that temples in Taiwan has such differences. I've only been to Longshan in Taipei (it was very ornate) but based from your post, I think Confucius temples are nice because you get to focus on the details instead of getting your head rattled by so much ornament (which was the case for me in Longshan haha).
The yard is so beautiful too!
January 30, 2012 2:09 PM
@Claire: Thanks! Longshan is Buddhist and Tao, which is more lively compared to Confucius temples, which are more solemn. Glad you like the pics.
February 1, 2012 12:25 AM
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