Former Court Building

The Former Court Building is a three-story structure near the Legislative Assembly Building overlooking Nam Van Lake, constructed from limestone, marble, slate, and quartzite materials. Inside, the spaces are divided into multiple specialized divisions handling civil, criminal, labor, family, and minor cases.

Construction of the building began in 1997 and finished in 1999, marking a major moment during the transfer of Macau's sovereignty. This completion coincided with a significant turning point in how the region was governed.

The building reflects Macau's legal identity through its mix of Portuguese architectural elements and Chinese construction methods in a government district setting. The exterior walls tell the story of a city where two different traditions have come together.

It is easiest to reach this place on foot from Nam Van Lake or by taking local buses that stop near the Legislative Assembly Building. Early morning or early afternoon visits tend to be less crowded than other times of the day.

The building sits directly across Nam Van Lake from the Government Headquarters, creating a visual connection between judicial and executive powers on opposite shores. This arrangement shows how the city was deliberately designed to keep these two important branches of government facing each other across the water.