Our history
Stay in a historic hotel in Bruges
Located between the Church of Our Lady and the Saint Salvator Cathedral, you will find Hotel De Castillion. A luxurious boutique hotel housed in a historic 16th-century corner building in the heart of Bruges’ historic center.
In the mid-18th century, this historic building was the residence of Bruges’ 15th bishop, Monseigneur Joannes Baptista Ludovicus De Castillion – whose tomb can be found in the Cathedral of Saint Salvator. Today, it is an elegant four-star boutique hotel where luxury and history come together.
A visionary clergyman once walked these halls
Monseigneur Joannes Baptista Ludovicus De Castillion (b. Brussels, 1680) belonged to a prestigious family from Liege. He embarked on a religious path early in life by pursuing his humanities studies with the Jesuits in Brussels. After his religious studies, Jean-Baptist was appointed as priest in Antwerp. Soon after that, he became the secretary to the bishop of Ghent.
As a young clergyman, he quickly won the trust of key figures in the religious scene. One of these figures was the Bishop of Ghent, an esteemed leader of the St. Ivo fraternity who dedicated his life to helping those in need. Partly because of this, De Castillion was later appointed Bishop of Bruges, a city close to his heart where he saw his mission come to life.
De Castillion was also very active in education. Many private initiatives to open schools for less fortunate received his support. He never failed to emphasize the catechetical function of education.
Despite his advanced age – he was bishop from 63 to 73 – and despite the relatively short duration of his term, as well as the political and social difficulties of his time, Jean-Baptist de Castillion left a significant mark on Bruges. He excelled as an administrator without neglecting spiritual aspects. The spiritual life of his clergy and the Christian education of the youth was always his priority.
He was a visionary whose dedication and quest for compassion inspired other clergy as well. Under his reign, Bruges continued to grow into a city where everyone could come home, where the less fortunate were supported and where youth found academic and spiritual guidance.
Bruges, the economic nerve center of Europe
In the heart of West Flanders, Bruges is a city full of medieval charm and cultural richness. Its roots reach back to Roman times, but it truly flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries. With a strategic location and thriving textile trade, Bruges became one of Europe’s leading commercial hubs. Merchants from across the continent came here to do business. The canals that once carried goods now shape the city’s beauty and earned it the name “The Venice of the North.”
Though Bruges’ golden age as an economic hub has passed, its legacy lives on. The city is famed for its well-preserved buildings and rich artistic tradition. It played a key role in the rise of the Flemish Primitives, with masters like Jan van Eyck working here. Even as political and economic centers shifted in the rest of Europe, Bruges remained a cultural gem. Its cobbled streets, gabled houses, and ancient churches continue to tell the story of a glorious past.
The Bishops' residence has been restored to its former glory
Right around the corner of the Sint-Salvator Cathedral, this elegant corner house, built in the 16th century, is a quiet witness to Bruges’ layered past. In the 18th century, it became the residence of Bishop Joannes Baptista Ludovicus de Castillion, adding a spiritual and historical significance to its walls. Today, more than 200 years later, the Christiaens-Stevens family lovingly restored the building, giving it a new purpose as a refined luxury boutique hotel. Today, the former Episcopal Palace welcomes guests from around the world, blending historical depth with timeless comfort, luxury, and high-end service.
Timeless elegance and modern luxury
Hotel De Castillion offers various types of rooms to meet everyone’s needs. All 20 rooms are equipped with modern luxury and comfort, including a private bathroom with a bathtub and/or shower, a hairdryer, television, telephone, minibar, and more.
Delightful moments in the historic city center
Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet, indulge in a stylish Afternoon Tea, or unwind in our elegant hotel bar with a cocktail, a fine glass of wine, or an exclusive drink.
