On the Grote Markt (Great Market Square) in Bergen op Zoom stands one of the city's most recognisable buildings: De Draak (The Dragon). This remarkable property has existed since the Middle Ages and has been a real eye-catcher for centuries. According to historians Willem van Ham and Cees Vanwesenbeeck, De Draak was even already there before the great city fire of 1397. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in Bergen op Zoom and an important symbol for the city.

The cellar of De Draak dates from before 1500, and the name already appears in a document from 1409. An old rhyme even tells that De Draak, along with the adjacent building De Olifant, survived the devastating fire of the 14th century:

“In the sweetest of May
a lot of fuss about nothing
’Do not burn all the sticks
Apart from Oliphant and Draecke”

From early on, De Draak was used as an inn, a place where travellers could eat, drink, and stay the night. In the 16th century, De Draak and De Olifant were merged, but later the building reverted to a private residence for wealthy Bergen residents. From 1696, it became an inn once more and grew into a well-known stopping place.

In the 20th century, De Draak was further expanded when the Sint Joris property was also acquired. Since 1984, the hotel has been owned by Frans Hazen, who has carefully modernised the building. In 2013, the hotel narrowly escaped a major fire, but fortunately, this historic building was preserved.

Nowadays, Hotel De Draak is still a beloved place to stay, right in the middle of the bustling Grote Markt, surrounded by centuries of history.

is available on request here

The role of the Dragon in the liberation of Bergen op Zoom in 1944 can be found here

General information:

• Type: National Monument, Historic Lodging
• Construction period: medieval, several renovations
• Address: Grote Markt 36, Bergen op Zoom