臺北孔廟為臺灣重要的儒家文化場域，承載著祭祀、教育與城市發展的歷史記憶。孔廟制度源自中國山東曲阜，歷經兩千餘年發展，成為結合禮制與教化的文化空間。清光緒年間臺北府設立後，隨即於城內南門內興建文武廟，文廟在左、武廟在右，座北朝南，形成完整的府城禮制格局，亦為臺北最早的孔廟。
臺北孔廟初建於光緒七年（1881年），完成大成殿、儀門與崇聖祠，後續增建櫺星門、泮池與萬仞宮牆，使空間配置趨於完備。日治初期，孔廟一度遭拆毀荒廢，祭孔典禮中斷。民國十四年（1925年），地方士紳發起重建，聘請泉州名匠王益順主持設計與興建，融匯閩南建築精華，最終於民國二十八年（1939年）完成今日所見之格局。
由庫倫街南側進入，首先可見高聳莊嚴的萬仞宮牆。「萬仞宮牆」一語出自《論語》，象徵孔子學問與德行之高深，寓意求學修德需循序漸進。牆內彩繪麒麟，象徵仁德與吉祥。想要進入孔廟，不能直接越過萬仞宮牆，必須繞到西側的「黌門」，象徵著求學無捷徑。
臺北孔廟亦以其交趾陶裝飾著稱。交趾陶源自閩南地區，釉色明麗、工序繁複，多配置於建築重要部位。孔廟交趾陶由匠師洪坤福主導，題材涵蓋神仙、瑞獸與歷史人物，其中大成殿水車堵的「四聘」、「五老觀日」，以及垂脊上排列的七十二隻梟鳥，皆為臺灣孔廟建築中極具代表性的藝術特色。
Taipei Confucius Temple is one of Taiwan’s most important sites of Confucian heritage, preserving the intertwined history of ritual, education, and urban development. The tradition of Confucian temples originates in Qufu, Shandong—the hometown of Confucius—where the earliest temple evolved from his former residence over more than two thousand years. This model later spread throughout China, where Confucian temples served not only as places of worship but also as centers for learning and moral cultivation.
The origins of the Taipei Confucius Temple date back to the Qing dynasty. After the establishment of Taipei Prefecture in 1879, a paired complex of civil and martial temples was constructed inside the city walls near the South Gate. The civil temple, facing south, formed the earliest Confucian temple in Taipei. The main structures, including the Hall of Great Achievement, the Yi Gate, and the Shrine of Ancestral Sages, were completed in 1881, followed by additional elements such as the Lingxing Gate, Pan Pond, the Wanren Wall, and ceremonial pathways, creating a complete ritual layout.
During the early Japanese colonial period, the temple was dismantled and fell into disuse, and Confucian ceremonies were suspended. In 1925, local gentry initiated a major reconstruction effort and commissioned the renowned Quanzhou master carpenter Wang Yishun to design and oversee the project. Drawing upon the finest traditions of southern Fujian architecture, the temple was gradually rebuilt and reached its present form in 1939.
Approaching from Kulun Street, visitors are first greeted by the imposing Wanren Wall. The phrase “Wanren” comes from The Analects, symbolizing the profound depth of Confucius’ learning and virtue, and reminding visitors that true understanding requires patience and perseverance. On the inner side of the wall is a painted qilin, a mythical creature representing benevolence and good fortune. Beyond the wall lies the crescent-shaped Pan Pond, symbolizing clarity of mind and continuous learning. Spanning the pond is the Pan Bridge, whose arched form and bamboo-joint railings represent integrity and scholarly virtue.
The Taipei Confucius Temple is also renowned for its richly preserved Koji pottery decorations. Originating in southern China, Koji pottery is characterized by vibrant glazes and labor-intensive craftsmanship, and is typically reserved for key architectural elements. The temple’s Koji works, led by master artisan Hong Kunfu, depict deities, auspicious animals, and historical figures. Particularly notable are the decorative panels on the Hall of Great Achievement and the seventy-two owl figures lining its ridges—features unique among Confucian temples in Taiwan.
Through its architecture and artistry, the Taipei Confucius Temple continues to convey enduring values of learning, integrity, and cultural continuity.
孔廟大成殿中的藻井 ：
