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 bronze frieze in the pediment, named "De Gerechtigheid" (Justice), was made by Ghent sculptor Geo Verbanck after a 1950 competition and cast in over three tonnes of bronze. Themis, 2.85 m tall, holds scales and a sword, with the accused pleading on her left and the already-judged on her right. The 14 m work was finished in 1953 but only mounted in October 1961.

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 pediment holds a bronze group, "De Gerechtigheid", by Ghent sculptor Geo Verbanck: Themis with scales and sword, the accused pleading on one side, judgment already passed on the other. It is 14 m wide, Themis 2.85 m tall, cast from over 3 tonnes of bronze, finished in 1953 but only hoisted into place in October 1961.