Palace of Justice of Douala, Colonial courthouse in Bonanjo district, Douala, Cameroon
The Palace of Justice of Douala is a symmetrical Art Deco building constructed in the 1930s and underwent major renewal with expanded wings in 2000. The structure shapes the city's appearance with its geometric forms and remains the main venue for regional court proceedings.
Built between 1930 and 1931 during the French Mandate period, the structure replaced the German colonial administration's legal framework. The 2000 renovation adapted it to modern needs while preserving its original architectural character.
The building shows how French legal traditions and local governance mixed together during colonial times. You can sense this blend in the way the structure stands and how people use the space for judicial matters.
The building is located in the Bonanjo district and is easily accessible by public transport. As it is an active courthouse with security measures, visitors should wear appropriate clothing and expect standard security checks.
The facade bears inscriptions documenting different construction phases, including the original completion date of 1931 and the structural changes of 2000. These details show how the building carries its history on its walls in a way visitors can actually read.
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