St. John's Court House, National historic courthouse on Water Street, St. John's, Canada.
St. John's Court House is a grand Romanesque Revival structure built from granite and sandstone, featuring a prominent clock tower and arched entrances. The building rises dramatically on the hillside, showing six stories from Water Street and three stories from Duckworth Street level.
The courthouse was built between 1901 and 1904, replacing three previous structures that had been destroyed. Its cornerstone was laid by the future King George V, marking a significant moment in the building's history.
The building displays judicial authority through dark oak trim, mosaic-tile floors, and formal courtroom spaces that reflect how law was administered. These design choices shaped how people experienced the legal system in this community.
The courthouse is accessible from both Water Street and Duckworth Street, with access points at different elevations due to the hillside location. Multiple floors house various judicial functions, so plan accordingly if you wish to explore the interior.
The building creates an optical illusion due to its hillside position, appearing as a completely different size depending on which street you view it from. This striking visual effect showcases how topography can transform the perception of a structure.
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