Colossal and imposing the Palace of Justice in Brussels stands before you. This isn’t just any courthouse. It’s a monument a testament to ambition and a reflection of Belgian history.
The Palace of Justice’s story begins in the 1800s. King Leopold I envisioned a grand palace. Minister of Justice Victor Tesch initiated an international architectural competition. Joseph Poelaert a renowned Brussels architect won the commission.
Poelaert’s design was ambitious. It was originally Greco-Roman. He incorporated other styles creating a unique eclectic design. The construction was monumental. It expanded dramatically. Costs skyrocketed exceeding initial estimates by tenfold. This caused public outrage.
To build this behemoth an entire city quarter vanished. Over 600 houses were demolished. Residents were displaced. The location though was symbolic. The Palace sits atop a hill. This symbolized justice elevated above all. Legend says it sits on Gallows Hill. There convicts were executed. The famous physician Vesalius supposedly stole bodies here for study.
Construction began in 1866. Engineer Francois Wellens oversaw the project. Poelaert sadly died in 1879 before completion. Joseph Joachim Benoet took over. King Leopold II inaugurated the Palace in 1883.
The Palace is enormous. It boasts 26006 square meters and 250 rooms. It was the largest building of its time larger than St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The facade is rich in symbolism. Hundreds of stone lions adorn it. Scales symbolize justice. Coats of arms are on the doors. Medusa’s head protects against evil. Freemason symbols are there too as Poelaert led the Belgian Freemasons. Statues of jurists and ancient orators like Cicero stand guard.
The interior is equally breathtaking. The Salle des Pas Perdus the Hall of Lost Steps is immense. It’s 80 meters long 50 meters wide and 80 meters high. The materials are exquisite Belgian and French stone and marble. Revolutionary steel supports the heavy stone. Belgium was a major steel producer at the time.
The Palace suffered damage in World War II. Retreating German forces set it ablaze. The dome collapsed. It was rebuilt taller. The building has undergone constant renovations since 1984. Scaffolding remains a constant presence. The renovations are set for completion around 2030.
Despite its grandeur the Palace has faced challenges. Water damage caused rust. Parts of the ceiling collapsed. Many courtrooms now stand empty. The building needs ongoing care. Its future is secure thanks to UNESCO’s provisional World Heritage List recognition. The Palace of Justice remains a testament to ambition and a symbol of Belgian justice. Its story continues.