Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice)
- Address:Place Poelaert, Brussels
- Hours:Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm. Closed weekends. Guided tours by written request only
- Admission:Free
4:43 PM Friday, May 25
Passing clouds. Mild.
7 day forecast »
The Palace of Justice is believed to be the largest building constructed in the 19th century. It’s covers 260,000 square feet (24,000 square meters) and dominates the Sablon area.
It was built on an area known as Gallows Hill overlooking the working-class parts of the city. Around 3,000 houses were demolished to make way for the building that is larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This angered locals and the word "architect" became a derogatory term.
The style of the imposing grey building is described as Assyro-Babylonian. It’s dominated by columns and a large glittering golden dome. The courts were commissioned by Leopold II and designed by Joseph Poelaert, and ended up costing 45 million Belgian francs to build.
Latest Reviews All Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) Reviews »
WOW! This was an awesome day....we met Jen our guide and were very pleased to discover it was only the two of us, a friend of his from Turkey, and himself....a private tour......
It was cool and raining, so Jn suggested we bypass going to Ostend and start in Ghent and see if the weather improved....Took us to the train station and we boarded immediately. Made it to Ghent by 9:30 and started the tour. hopped a train to the center and were amazed. Great info and history. stopped at the smallest bar and had ChocoMel. A great warmer on a cold day....qcontinued on tour and headed back to train station. hopped a train to Brugges. Arrived in 30 minutes.
Walked and took a canal ride, saw awesome sites. Visited a flea market and bought a terra cotta and glass tile bowl for 20 Euro!!!!
Had a great lunch of Finnish stew and frites. With mayonnaise of course! yummy! Continued through Brugges for several hours and then headed back to station. Jen gave us the option to head to Ostend, weather still rainy, or back to Brusells and a short tour there. we chose back to Brussells. Awesome day, guide, food, info, EVERYTHING. best thing, we paid for nothing all day except for the bowl!,,
Continue Reading »
Our guide was one of the best guides we have ever had and imparted many fascinating facts throughout the tour. He was guiding in 4 languages and as the recorded guide played through earphones wasn't working he gave a live commentary. His enthusiasm for guiding and his love of Brussels shone through and was interjected with a sense of humour at times. Well worth the money.
Continue Reading »Practical Info
The closest train station is Louise and the 92 tram, which travels past the Royal Palace, is also close by. Alternatively, there is a great glass elevator that will take you from Place Bruegel in the Marolles to Place Poelaert and also delivers great views of the city on the way.
_d458-150.jpg)
