Wonder what stories these walls could tell? This is the Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon. It stands majestically before us. Its twenty-four columns are a sight to behold. The Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon is also known as the “Palace of the twenty-four columns”.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Lyon in the early 19th century. The old courthouse was falling apart. A new one was needed to reflect Lyon’s growing importance. The architect Louis-Pierre Baltard won the competition. His vision was a neoclassical masterpiece.
Construction of the Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon began in 1835. It finished in 1847. Baltard’s design embodies grandeur and order. It reflects the architectural style of the time. The building is made of stone. The stones came from Villebois, Tournus, Crussol and Cruas.
Look closely at the sculptures. See the figures of Force and Justice? François Félix Roubaud created them. They were placed here between 1857 and 1862. They are carved from the yellow stone of Seyssel.
The Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon has witnessed many famous trials. In 1894, Sante Geronimo Caserio was sentenced to death here. He assassinated President Sadi Carnot. Charles Maurras was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1945. Klaus Barbie, the “Butcher of Lyon,” was convicted here. He was sentenced to life for crimes against humanity in 1987.
Let’s talk about the Salle des pas perdus. This vast hall is impressive. It measures 625 square meters. It has a height of 17 meters. Note the bas-reliefs. Jean-François Legendre-Héral created one. It shows Lyon welcoming the arts, commerce, industry, and agriculture. Guillaume Bonnet created another. It is called La Justice punissant le Crime.
In 1995, a new courthouse was built in the Part-Dieu district. The Tribunal de Grande Instance moved there. So did the Tribunal d’Instance and the Tribunal de Commerce de Lyon. But the Cour d’appel de Lyon and the Cour d’assises du Rhône stayed here. This is why it is the “historic” courthouse.
The Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon underwent renovations in 2008. The goal was to improve accessibility and security. The work also modernized the building.
One more thing. A plaque commemorates Judge François Renaud. He was assassinated in Lyon. He worked at the Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon. The final scene of Claude Lelouch’s film Tout ça…Pour ça! was filmed here in 1992.
As we leave the Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon remember its history. Remember the trials, the architecture, and the stories it holds. It is a symbol of justice. It is a landmark in Lyon’s rich history.