The Palace of Justice

The Palace of Justice, or Le Palais de Justice, is one of Europe’s most significant and impressive buildings, and it remains the most important courthouse in Belgium. Completed in 1883, it was the largest building in the world at the time. Its massive size – 160 by 150 meters and a total ground surface of 26,000 m² – and its location on the high Town of Brussels mean that the building is visible from many parts of the city. Poelaert Square, where the main entrance is located, offers the best views of Brussels.

The building was designed by Joseph Poelaert, who passed away four years before its inauguration. To complete the building, 3,000 houses had to be demolished. The Germans set fire to the Palace and caused the dome to collapse at the end of World War II, but it has since been reconstructed to be taller and narrower than the original.

The Palace of Justice’s interior is just as stunning as its exterior, with a 328 ft (100 m) tall open foyer that is sure to amaze visitors. The court has two floors and a basement that are all open to the public.

The Brussels Palace of Justice dome — by mr. nightshade

The Palace of Justice is one of Europe’s most impressive buildings and is definitely worth exploring. It is free to enter, so there is no reason to miss this jewel of Brussels. If you are in Brussels, visiting the Palace of Justice should be at the top of your to-do list, along with a visit to the Grand Place, which is the only part of Brussels that can compete with the Palace’s beauty.

Use Lift to visit Marolles district

There is a lift located near the Palace of Justice in Brussels that can take you down to the Marolles/Marollen district. The lift is called the “Ascenseur des Marolles” and is located on Rue Haute/Hoogstraat, just a short walk from the Palace of Justice. It provides a quick and easy way to access the lower part of the Marolles/Marollen district from the higher part of the city.

Getting There

To get to The Palace of Justice from Brussels city center, you can take a metro line 2 or 6 to the Louise/Louiza station, then take tram 92 or 94 to the Poelaert stop. The Palace of Justice is a short walk from the tram stop. You can also take a bus to the nearby Marolles district and walk up the hill to the Palace. If you prefer to walk, it is about a 20-25 minute walk from the city center.