Courthouse of Ghent, Neoclassical courthouse in Koophandelsplein, Belgium
The Courthouse of Ghent is a large neoclassical building faced with pale stone and featuring elegant columns framing its main entrances. The structure displays carved friezes and relief panels across its exterior that illustrate themes connected to the legal system.
The building was designed and constructed between 1836 and 1846 by local architect Louis Roelandt on land that had previously housed a religious monastery. This transformation marked the shift toward civic institutions during the development of modern Belgium.
The building serves as an active courthouse where the city's legal proceedings take place today. Local residents pass by regularly, recognizing it as a symbol of law and justice in their city.
The building sits on Koophandelsplein square and is reachable by tram line one from the central train station. Bear in mind this is an active courthouse, so not all areas are open to the public and visiting may depend on the day's schedule.
The carved stone panels depict actual courtroom scenes and legal proceedings from real cases that occurred in the city. This literal representation of justice in stone makes the exterior a rare visual record of law in action.
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