Plizio Visual Lab
Old German Courthouse
The Old German Courthouse in Apia is one of the few surviving examples of German colonial architecture in Samoa, testifying to the period between 1900 and 1914 when the island nation was a German protectorate. This distinctive wooden building, with its wide verandas and typical colonial design, served as the judicial center and administrative headquarters for the German administration under Governor Wilhelm Solf. Following the end of German rule, the building was utilized by the New Zealand administration and later by the independent Samoan government for various administrative purposes. Despite the harsh tropical weather conditions, the structure has endured for over a century, highlighting the superior craftsmanship of the era. Today, the building stands as a historical monument on Apia's waterfront, serving as a reminder of the country's complex colonial past. It is an essential destination for historians and visitors interested in learning more about the era when Samoa was part of the German colonial empire. The preservation of this building is viewed as a vital contribution to safeguarding Samoa's multifaceted national history.
- Location: Samoa
- Top sights: Sister's Chapel · Samoa Arise 2025 · Apia Harvest Centre Church
- Nearby: Vailele (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 258 | 241 | 165 | 169 | 128 | 91 | 75 | 56 | 92 | 141 | 213 | 229 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Built during the German colonial administration (1900-1914).
- Served as the judicial heart and office of Governor Wilhelm Solf.
- One of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Apia.
- Features classic tropical colonial architecture with wrap-around porches.
- Later used by New Zealand authorities after WWI.
- Located prominently on the Apia waterfront near the harbor.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Old German Courthouse (10)
Samoa Independant Seventh Day Adventist Church
Independent Seventh-day Adventist church in Apia.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Catholic cathedral in Apia, Samoa, serving as a main church on the island.
Samoa Tourism Authority Visitors Village
Visitor center run by the Samoa Tourism Authority in Apia.
Siva Afi Entertainment Centre
Venue for traditional Samoan fire knife dancing and performances.
SPACE | Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence
Performing arts and creative center in Apia.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Seventh-day Adventist church in Apia, Samoa.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Old German Courthouse?
Is it still a courthouse?
Can you visit it?
Where in Apia is it?
Is it architecturally interesting?
Old German Courthouse: where is it located?
Old German Courthouse: what is there to see?
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Old German Courthouse: why is it worth visiting?



















