The Court House, Ghent

The Law Court in Ghent is a stunning example of 19th-century Neoclassical architecture, designed by the renowned local architect Louis Roelandt. Roelandt, who became the city’s official architect in 1818, was responsible for several of Ghent's iconic buildings. The construction of the Law Court, known as the Justitiepaleis or Gent Palace de Justice, began in 1836 and was completed in 1846. The building occupies a prime location on a main road leading from Ghent's Central Train Station to the city center, making it a prominent landmark.

The courthouse's design reflects the influence of the Grand European Tour, where young men of the era traveled to Italy and Greece, returning with sketches of classical architecture. This influence is evident in the Law Court’s Neoclassical style, featuring pediments adorned with friezes depicting judgment scenes, including the figure of Justice, the accused, and the condemned. These artistic elements add to the building's grandeur and historical significance.

Despite its historical and architectural value, the old Law Court faced a chronic lack of space, leading to the construction of a new, modern courthouse on the outskirts of the city in 2007. Today, the original building continues to serve the Assize Court and the Court of Appeal. Conveniently located along the route of tram number one, which connects the Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station to the city center, the Law Court is an excellent starting point for exploring Ghent. Visitors often begin their shopping trips at Veldstraat or enjoy a scenic walk along the nearby riverbank towards the historic Graslei port.