Overview:

The Palace of Justice in Brussels is the largest court building in Europe and the world’s largest palace of justice. Located in the city’s European quarter, the palace houses both civil and criminal courts. This massive building has remained largely unchanged since its completion in 1883, as the palatial scope was designed to awe visitors and inspire respect for the law. The palace was designed by architect JosephPoelaert. It has a severe Classical style with a large central dome, which at 300 feet (91 meters) in height, was the tallest building in Brussels at the time of its completion. It is made almost entirely of brick and stone and is an impressive sight, stretching more than 3,400 feet (1,040 meters) along the city skyline. Inside, the palace has a variety of grand hallways and soaring stonework with an enormous central staircase leading to the first floor. Today, the Palace of Justice is home to both civil and criminal courts, as well as numerous state officials. The public can attend court proceedings, and guided tours of the palace are available to visitors. The palace is accessible via public transportation and is open most days, with reduced hours on national holidays. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

The Palace of Justice is the most striking landmark of Brussels, Belgium. Built between 1866 and 1883, it is the largest court building in the world, and the second-largest building in the city after the Atomium. The monumental building was created by the well-known Belgian architect Joseph Poelaert and designed in the neo-baroque style. The Palace of Justice stands tall with its grand façade facing the Parc de Bruxelles and the Avenue de l'Opéra and is one of the few remaining examples of late 19th-century architecture in Brussels. The building contains the entire Belgian judicial power and is home to numerous courtrooms, tribunals, offices, and the Royal Library. Moreover, it serves as a museum and contains collections of important documents and archives from the 17th to the 21st century. In the façade of the palace, four affronting towers are featured that include representations of ancient Roman gods. On the top of the grand dome stands a statuette of Justice, symbolizing the observance of law and justice. Additionally, the grounds of the palace feature several sculptures and inscriptions on its walls, as well as a large park area and a memorial of the war victims, dedicated to the victors of World War I. As a symbol of Brussels, the Palace of Justice has become one of the main attractions of the city. It is visited by a sizeable number of tourists every year and also serves as a backdrop to the annual National Day of Belgium parade. A stunning edifice that certainly warrants a visit! You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

The Palace of Justice in Brussels, Belgium is a monumental building designed in the 19th century neoclassical style. It was inaugurated in 1883 as the first building to house the Belgian Supreme Court of Justice. The Palace of Justice was the project of Joseph Poelaert, a Belgian architect who was inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome. He designed the building to complement the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert shopping arcade, which was located nearby. The construction of the building began in 1866 and was completed in 1883. It is one of the largest buildings in Europe, measuring nearly 300 meters in length and 30 meters in height. The construction was funded through a public grant, with the original cost estimated at 2 million Belgian francs. The impressive design of the building includes a grand central staircase, a great hall called the Salle des Pas Perdus, and a rotunda cupola. It also features six allegorical statues, each representing a different key legal value. The Palace of Justice houses the Belgian Supreme Court and the Belgian Court of Cassation. It is also used for other court proceedings, including criminal, civil, and family law cases. There have been several changes over the years, but the building remains an iconic part of the Brussels skyline. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Palace of Justice in Brussels is the largest court building in Europe, with an area of more than 150,000 m² (1,600,000 sq ft). 2. It was designed by architect Joseph Poelaert and took over 30 years to complete. 3. It is built on the Coudenberg Hill, the former site of the palace of the Dukes of Brabant. 4. The design is said to have been influenced by Napoleon III’s Louvre in Paris and is symbolic of justice and authority. 5. The Palace has a 148 m (486 ft) high dome which can be seen from many parts of the city. 6. When it was completed in 1883, it was the largest building constructed since antiquity. 7. The façade is decorated with 80 statues of famous personalities from Belgium and the Netherlands. 8. Inside the palace there are 500 rooms and 72 staircases. 9. During WW2, the Palace of Justice was used as a Gestapo prison. 10. During the renovations of the building in the late 1990s, some hidden rooms were discovered which previously served as shelter for the Belgian Royal family. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era