Palace of Justice, Courthouse in Marolles district, Brussels, Belgium
The Palace of Justice is a large courthouse in the Marolles district of Brussels. The structure combines multiple architectural approaches and rises prominently above surrounding streets with a distinctive dome.
Construction started in 1867 under architect Joseph Poelaert's direction and opened in 1883. German forces damaged it severely during World War II, requiring substantial repairs afterward.
The name reflects its role as Belgium's supreme legal authority. Inside, visitors observe formally dressed people moving through lengthy corridors and conversing in different languages.
The complex sits in a densely built area and is accessible by public transport, particularly through nearby metro stations. Visitors can admire the architecture from outside, though access to the interior requires following official visiting hours.
The building is distinguished by its colossal dome, making it unmistakable and visible from many points across the city. The interior layout with its enormous halls and staircases impresses visitors through its scale and the sense of authority conveyed by the architecture.
Location: City of Brussels
Architects: Joseph Poelaert, Joseph Joachim Benoît, Albert Storrer
Official opening: October 15, 1883
Architectural style: eclectic architecture
Height: 116 m
Address: Pl. Poelaert 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00
Phone: +3225086111
Website: https://justice.belgium.be/fr
GPS coordinates: 50.83667,4.35167
Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:15
Brussels combines baroque guild houses, neo-Gothic churches, and modern architecture. The Grand Place forms the historic center with its cobblestone square and gilded facades. The Atomium from 1958 stands in the northern part of the city, displaying the structure of a magnified iron crystal. Saint...
This collection presents neogothic architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries, when architects across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania revived medieval building forms. The movement began in Britain and spread worldwide, employing pointed arches, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults and...
Poelaert Elevators
149 m
Hôtel de Mérode-Westerloo
197 m
Anglo-Belgian Memorial
166 m
Court of Appeal of Brussels
29 m
Monument to the Belgian Infantry
142 m
Passe-moi l’ciel
181 m
Spirou
181 m
Le singe - De Aap
203 mComplexe des Archives de la Ville de Bruxelles
185 mScenic viewpoint
157 mProlétaires de tous les pays, unissez-vous
68 mBataille de la Marolle
181 mThe View Brussels
149 mMartine Ehmer
194 mSt. jacques
193 mPas-Laid
122 mBXL_06
164 mWork of art
145 mWork of art, statue
28 mDe Smet de Naeyer
185 mJoseph Poelaert
26 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
165 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
56 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
56 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
184 mDe Polakkengang
197 mSzyja (Simon) Suknik
200 mAbraham Adolphe Nasielski
200 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes