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Tribunal Palace

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Tribunal Palace (Vatican)

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The Palazzo del Tribunale in Vatican City is the seat of the state's judicial power and an important symbol of its sovereignty. The building was constructed in the early 1930s following the conclusion of the Lateran Treaty to provide a modern infrastructure for the Vatican's own justice system. It was designed in a neoclassical style that emphasizes the dignity and authority of the institution. The palace houses the courtrooms for the court of first instance as well as for the Court of Appeal of Vatican City. The interior design is functional yet representative, maintaining traditional elements of papal administration. As Vatican City is an independent state, it has its own legal system based on canon law and adopted Italian statutes. The Palazzo del Tribunale thus serves as the physical location where these legal principles are applied and also houses offices of the gendarmerie and the prosecutor's office.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Tribunal Palace houses the judicial authorities of Vatican City and is not open to the public. You can view the building from outside, south of St. Peter's Basilica.
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Typical hours
As a courthouse, there are no visiting hours for tourists. The Vatican courts are only open for involved parties.
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Photography
Photographing the exterior facade from the street is allowed. Do not request entry as security personnel are present.
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Time needed
A brief stop suffices for viewing, about 5-10 minutes. The building gives few architectural details for longer observation.
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Combine with
Combine with the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria in Traspontina. St. Peter's Square and Via della Conciliazione are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The building is located south of St. Peter's Basilica, accessible via Via della Conciliazione. The nearest bus stop is 'Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro'.
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Insider tip
Note the plain courthouse architecture compared to the ornate Vatican palaces. A quick look suffices as no further information is signposted.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90130, 12.45270

Facts

  • The building was constructed after the Lateran Treaty of 1929.
  • It houses the court of first instance and the Court of Appeal.
  • The design was created by the architect Giuseppe Momo.
  • The Vatican's judicial system is primarily based on canon law.
  • The palace is located behind St. Peter's Basilica near the gardens.
  • Pope Pius XI commissioned the construction as part of the new state admin.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
ColosseumColosseum3 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tribunal Palace (10)

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of the Vatican City, dedicated to Ethiopian Christians.

Sacristy🏛 museum

Museum in Vatican City, displaying sacred objects and vestments.

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Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, a landmark of Rome.

♿

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint on the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:30-17:00♿

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the most important Christian buildings.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, known for its religious significance.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Arch of the Bells

City gate in Vatican City, part of the historic fortifications.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, used for private prayer.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does this palace house?
It houses the judicial authorities and the court of Vatican City.
When was the building constructed?
It was built in the 1930s following the Lateran Treaty.
Where in the Vatican is the building located?
It is located at the rear of St. Peter's Basilica, near the Santa Marta residence.
Is the palace accessible to tourists?
No, it is an administrative building and is not open to the public.
Which courts meet here?
It is the seat of the Vatican's court of first instance and the court of appeal.
Tribunal Palace: where is it located?
Tribunal Palace is located in Vatican.
Tribunal Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians, Sacristy, Cupola di San Pietro.
Tribunal Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Tribunal Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Palazzo del Tribunale in Vatican City is the seat of the state's judicial power and an important symbol of its sovereignty.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Railway Station — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Bunker Access — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
St. Peter&#39;s Square — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Vatican Hill South Edge — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Vatican Hill South Edge
The topographic boundary of the hill in the south, where the terrain slopes down to the station and Via Aurelia.
St. Stephen of the Abyssinians Terrace — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
St. Stephen of the Abyssinians Terrace
An elevated plateau behind St.
Heliport Terrace Level — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Heliport Terrace Level
The artificially leveled plateau on which the Vatican Heliport is located.
Vatican Railway Embankment — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Vatican Railway Embankment
An artificial railway embankment in the southern part of the Vatican, connecting the station to the Italian rail network.

Nature

Southern Garden Knoll — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Southern Garden Knoll
A small elevation in the southern part of the Vatican Gardens.
Central Garden Ridge — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Central Garden Ridge
The raised ridge that runs through the center of the gardens.

More places

San Carlo Palace — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà
The national church for the German-speaking population in the Vatican, located directly adjacent to the Campo Santo Teutonico.
Canons&#39; Palace — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Palace of the Sacristy — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.
Archpriest&#39;s Palace — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Archpriest's Palace
This building serves as the official residence of the Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
Governatorato Palace — Tribunal Palace (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.