Castle Ter Ham

Steenokkerzeel, Belgium

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Castle Ter Ham in Steenokkerzeel, Belgium, is a late medieval water castle built mainly in the 15th century, surrounded by large ponds and accessible via two drawbridges.

It was originally part of the lordship of Steenokkerzeel and owned by noble families including the Berthout and Hinckaert lineages. The castle was expanded and remodeled over the centuries, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant architectural features such as corner towers and a baroque-style entrance.

Notably, it served as the residence of Empress Zita of Bourbon-Parma and her family after they fled the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1929. During World War II, the castle suffered bomb damage and was used by German troops. It was sold to the municipality in 1957, later becoming a conference and training center after restoration, preserving its historical character while serving modern purposes.​