Le Roi Soleil Musical
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Palace of Justice of Brussels
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The Palace of Justice of Brussels (Palais de Justice) is an absolute architectural behemoth, its massive and somewhat intimidating silhouette dominating the capital's skyline from its vantage point on Galgenberg hill. Designed by the visionary architect Joseph Poelaert, the colossal structure was erected between 1866 and 1883 and holds the undisputed title of the largest building constructed anywhere in the world during the entire 19th century, its total ground area even surpasses that of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The palace's highly eclectic style, which heavily mixes Neoclassical and Assyrian-Babylonian elements, was deliberately chosen to project the ultimate authority and unyielding majesty of the law. The interior is a vast labyrinthine network consisting of 27 grand courtrooms, nearly 250 smaller rooms, seemingly endless corridors, and eight enormous courtyards, all crowned by a massive dome reaching a height of over 100 meters. The construction of this gigantic state project required the demolition of a large section of the traditional Marollen working-class neighborhood, making the architect a despised figure among the evicted locals to this day.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Palace of Justice · Monument to the Belgian Infantry · Poelaert elevators
- Nearby: Grimbergen (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Palace of Justice is a functioning courthouse, typically open to the public on weekdays, though not all areas are accessible. Visitors can enter the impressive main hall and some public galleries if no trials are in session.
Typical hours
The building is usually open weekdays from about 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, but public areas may have limited access. For exact hours, it's best to inquire on-site as they depend on court sessions.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the public entrance hall, without flash or tripod. In courtrooms and other areas, photography is typically prohibited for legal reasons.
Time needed
Visiting the public areas typically takes about 20-30 minutes. If you want to see more of the architecture, allow about 45 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Grand Place (10-minute walk) and the Mont des Arts. Brussels City Park is also a short walk away.
Getting there
The Palace of Justice is well accessible by metro (Louise or Porte de Namur stations). From Brussels-Luxembourg station, it's about a 10-minute walk uphill.
Insider tip
Visit the Palace of Justice on a weekday early in the morning when fewer trials are ongoing. Take the elevator to the observation terrace - the view over Brussels is impressive and free.
Geography
Facts
- Recognized as the largest single building constructed anywhere in the world during the 19th century
- The colossal structure covers an incredibly massive ground area of exactly 26,000 square meters
- The imposing central dome soars majestically to a remarkable total height of nearly 104 meters
- Construction controversially required the demolition of a large section of the historic Marollen district
- The building's visionary architect, Joseph Poelaert, tragically died four years before its completion
- The exterior has famously been shrouded in scaffolding for decades due to ongoing restoration work
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Palace of Justice of Brussels (10)
EScape
Gallery in Brussels, specializing in urban art and graffiti.
De Smet de Naeyer
Public artwork in Brussels, a sculpture or installation.
Partage Galerie
Gallery in Brussels that exhibits works by artists with disabilities.
Église Saints-Jean-et-Etienne aux Minimes - Sint-Jan en Sint-Stefaan Ter Miniemenkerk
17th-century church in Brussels, Baroque style.
Plaine de jeux des Escargots - Slakkengang speeltuin🌳 park
Playground in central Brussels, with climbing frames and slides.
Centre culturel Bruegel
Cultural centre in Brussels, hosting theatre, concerts, and classes.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the building?
Yes, you can enter the main hall during working hours (Mon-Fri), usually for free.
Why is the building so famous?
At its completion, it was one of the largest buildings of the 19th century in the world.
Why is it often covered in scaffolding?
The building has been under extensive renovation for decades, a well-known Brussels phenomenon.
Is there a good view from there?
Yes, from the square in front (Place Poelaert), you have a great panoramic view over the city.
Is there an elevator to the lower town?
Yes, right by the square there is a free public elevator down to the Marolles district.
Palace of Justice of Brussels: where is it located?
Palace of Justice of Brussels is located in Belgium.
Palace of Justice of Brussels: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palace of Justice, Monument to the Belgian Infantry, Poelaert elevators.
Palace of Justice of Brussels: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Palace of Justice of Brussels: why is it worth visiting?
The Palace of Justice of Brussels (Palais de Justice) is an absolute architectural behemoth, its massive and somewhat intimidating silhouette dominating the capital's skyline from its vantage point on Galgenberg hill.
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