Palazzo di Giustizia (Palace of Justice), Catania

The Palace of Justice in Catania, a significant example of 20th-century architecture, is located in the central Giovanni Verga Square. Designed by architect Francesco Fichera, its construction began in 1937 and was completed in 1953, serving as a new home for Catania's judicial system, which had previously operated from Tezzano Palace (Palazzo Tezzano) since 1844.

The building’s façade harmonizes classical architectural motifs, such as a pycnostyle colonnade, with a modernist reinterpretation characteristic of its era. Inside, frescoes by Carmelo Comes add artistic richness to its halls. A striking feature of the exterior is the imposing bronze statue of Justice by local sculptor Mimì Maria Lazzaro. This sculpture portrays Justice weighing two small, naked figures in her palms, symbolizing impartiality and the weight of moral judgment. This artistic work captures the ideological nuances of the mid-20th century with a hint of irony.

Over time, growing spatial demands have resulted in the fragmentation of the Court's offices, with some sections relocated to adjacent buildings, such as the Magistrates' Court on Francesco Crispi Street and the Second Section on Verona Street. Despite these logistical challenges, the Palace remains a central symbol of justice and architectural heritage in Catania.