Tillegem Castle

Tillegem Castle is a square-shaped structure with corner towers surrounded by a wide moat, set within parkland in southern Bruges. The entire complex sits within open green spaces that frame the fortification.

The structure originated in the 12th century and received its current form through major renovations in 1879 under Baron Eugène de Peñaranda. These transformations gave it the distinctive Flemish Gothic Revival style it shows today.

The castle reflects how the tastes of wealthy Bruges families changed over time through its architecture. Walking around it shows the different styles that successive owners left behind.

The grounds are located at Tillegemstraat 81 and the surrounding park is open daily, while the castle interior functions as government offices. Visitors can walk freely around the exterior and explore the green areas.

The Province of West Flanders acquired the castle in 1980 and transformed it from a private residence into an administrative center. Despite this change, the park remains open to the public, offering rare glimpses of what normally stays closed to visitors.

Location: Bruges

GPS coordinates: 51.17667,3.19750

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:20