Palais de justice de Montbenon

The Palais de justice de Montbenon is a courthouse in Renaissance Revival style, standing atop the Montbenon hill and featuring ornate sculptures and coat-of-arms symbols on its symmetrical facade. The building is surrounded by spacious gardens that extend to the Esplanade de Montbenon.

Benjamin Recordon designed the building in 1881 as the seat of the Swiss Federal Court, which occupied it until the 1920s. After the Federal Court moved elsewhere, the building became home to local judicial functions.

The name Montbenon comes from French, meaning "good mountain". The gardens surrounding the building serve as a gathering place where locals walk and rest, while monuments reflect values important to Swiss society.

The building sits on a hill and is reachable on foot from the city center, though the walk uphill takes some time. The esplanade offers benches and open spaces where visitors can rest and take in the view over the city.

From the esplanade in front of the building, visitors have an unobstructed view of Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond, a sight that is equally clear from few other spots in the city. On fine days, many locals come here to take in this view and spend time in the sun.

Location: Lausanne

Location: Lausanne District

Location: canton Vaud

Architects: Benjamin Recordon

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Part of: list of cultural properties in Lausanne

Address: Allée Ernest-Ansermet 2, 1003 Lausanne

GPS coordinates: 46.52057,6.62684

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:25