Built by Joseph Poelaert as the largest 19th-century building in Europe.
The Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) dominates Place Poelaert on the Galgenberg, the former Gallows Hill, overlooking the Marolles district of Brussels, Belgium. It was designed by the architect Joseph Poelaert and built between 1866 and 1883 to house the courts of the capital. With a floor area of around 26,000 square metres, it is larger than Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome and is often described as the largest building erected in Europe in the 19th century. Poelaert died in 1879 before its completion, and its construction involved the demolition of part of the Marolles neighbourhood, which remains a source of local grievance.
The design is an eclectic mixture of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Assyrian influences on a monumental scale, with colossal columns, vast flights of steps and a towering central dome. Inside, the Salle des Pas Perdus, the main hall, is 80 metres high and surrounded by courtrooms and galleries, with grand staircases, marble floors and monumental sculpture. The building was a statement of national confidence by the young Belgian state.
In September 1944, retreating German troops set fire to the building and the dome collapsed. It was rebuilt after the war with a taller dome reaching around 104 metres. Since the early 1980s the facade has been covered by scaffolding because of structural problems with the stonework, and a long programme of restoration has been in progress, which has made the scaffolding a landmark in itself.
The building is still an active court complex, so visiting is subject to security checks and court schedules. The exterior and the terrace are the main attractions, giving wide views across the lower town and towards the Atomium. A public lift connects Place Poelaert with the Marolles below, making it easy to reach from the Rue de la Régence area.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior always open; interior on weekdays |
| Address | Place Poelaert 1, 1000 Brussels |
Why it matters
The Palace of Justice was the most ambitious building project of the young Belgian state, intended to express national confidence and the authority of the law. It was the largest building constructed anywhere in the 19th century.
Location
Place Poelaert 1, 1000 Brussels
50.8368, 4.3481 View on map
Highlights
- Largest building constructed in Europe in the 19th century
- Colossal eclectic facade and 104 m dome
- Salle des Pas Perdus, an 80 m high hall
- Panoramic view from Place Poelaert
- Public lift down to the Marolles
Tips for visiting
- Bring photo ID, as security checks apply when entering the interior.
- Visit on a weekday if you want to see inside, since courts are closed on weekends.
- Walk to the terrace on Place Poelaert for a view over Brussels.
- Use the public lift to the Marolles for a quick descent to the old quarter.
- Do not photograph court proceedings or staff.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors enter the Palace of Justice?
Visitors can generally enter the public hall on weekdays after a security check. Courtrooms are open only when hearings are public.
Why is the building covered in scaffolding?
The stonework was found to be unstable in the early 1980s, and restoration has been ongoing since then.
Is there an admission charge?
No. Entry to the exterior and the public hall is free.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 60 minutes covers the exterior, the terrace and the main hall.