Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice)
Place Poelaert 1, Brussels, Belgium, 1000
Built from 1866 to 1883, the Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) is the seat of the supreme court in Belgium and one of the most important historic buildings in Brussels. It was commissioned by Leopold II and designed by Joseph Poelaert, and it may have been the largest building constructed in the 19th century.
The basics
The Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) was built on an area known as Gallows Hill (as criminals were routinely hanged here during the middle ages). Around 3,000 houses were demolished to make way for the building, which is larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, spanning around 260,000 square feet (24,000 square meters). Most Brussels sightseeing tours at least pass by or make a stop in front of the building.
Things to know before you go
- The Palace of Justice is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in architecture.
- Most tours only visit the exterior of the building.
- Admission to the Palace of Justice is free.
How to get there
The closest train station is Louise, and tram number 92, which travels past the Royal Palace, also stops nearby. Alternatively, there’s a 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.
When to get there
The Palace of Justice is open Monday through Friday during the daytime, except on public holidays. It's worth visiting pretty much any time of day, but if you want a photo of the gargantuan structure that doesn't include throngs of tourists, not long after sunrise may be your best bet.
The Crooked Architect
With the construction of the Palace of Justice came a lot of displacement, and around 3,000 homes in the working-class Marolles neighborhood were razed to make room for the sprawling construction. Poelaert was soon dubbed De Skieven Architek, which means “crooked architect,” likely a corruption of the Flemish term for “chief architect
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!