Ancien Palais de Justice (The Former Palace of Justice), Lyon
The Former Palace of Justice is perhaps the most impressive building in Lyon and, as such, rightfully deserves a visit.
It stands on the site previously occupied by the courts of justice since the 14th century; the present building was erected in 1842 by Victor Baltard. Rectangular in shape, with a central courtyard and 24 Corinthian columns, this is one of the best examples of Neo-classical architecture in France.
Its main entrance hall 鈥� known as Salle des Pas Perdus 鈥� where lawyers and witnesses used to wait to be summoned by judges, is beautifully decorated with tall marble columns, rich stucco work, vaulted ceilings and three cupolas. The red-carpeted Escalier d鈥檋onneur leads to the upper chambers and the visitors鈥� gallery, while a short flight of marble steps takes you to Cour d鈥橝ssises (The Assize Court).
The latter, complete with Cour d鈥橝ppel (the Court of Appeal), are the only two courts left in the building now. In the past, the palace hosted a number of famous trials, the most noted of which, perhaps, is that of Klaus Barbie in 1987, which saw the notorious Nazi torturer 鈥� nicknamed the 鈥淏utcher of Lyon鈥� 鈥� sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity.
If you're an architecture buff or keen on legal history, you may be interested in checking out this splendid edifice, whilst in Lyon.
It stands on the site previously occupied by the courts of justice since the 14th century; the present building was erected in 1842 by Victor Baltard. Rectangular in shape, with a central courtyard and 24 Corinthian columns, this is one of the best examples of Neo-classical architecture in France.
Its main entrance hall 鈥� known as Salle des Pas Perdus 鈥� where lawyers and witnesses used to wait to be summoned by judges, is beautifully decorated with tall marble columns, rich stucco work, vaulted ceilings and three cupolas. The red-carpeted Escalier d鈥檋onneur leads to the upper chambers and the visitors鈥� gallery, while a short flight of marble steps takes you to Cour d鈥橝ssises (The Assize Court).
The latter, complete with Cour d鈥橝ppel (the Court of Appeal), are the only two courts left in the building now. In the past, the palace hosted a number of famous trials, the most noted of which, perhaps, is that of Klaus Barbie in 1987, which saw the notorious Nazi torturer 鈥� nicknamed the 鈥淏utcher of Lyon鈥� 鈥� sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity.
If you're an architecture buff or keen on legal history, you may be interested in checking out this splendid edifice, whilst in Lyon.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lyon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ancien Palais de Justice (The Former Palace of Justice) on Map
Sight Name: Ancien Palais de Justice (The Former Palace of Justice)
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lyon, France
Create Your Own Walk in Lyon
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Lyon's Architectural Landmarks
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Food Tour in Lyon
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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Lyon Introduction Walking Tour
The city of Lyon 鈥� capital of France鈥檚 Auvergne-Rh么ne-Alpes region 鈥� has been around for 2,000 years, sitting at the confluence of the Rh么ne and Sa么ne rivers. Established in 43 BC as a settlement for Roman refugees of war, it was also the capital of the Gauls at the time of the Roman Empire; two Emperors 鈥� Claudius and Caracalla 鈥� were born here. Due to its foundation on the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Gastronomic Delights: 10 Places to Buy Great Food in Lyon, France
The city of Lyon is famous for its contribution to the culinary arts. Here food lovers will find hundreds of specialty shops throughout the city offering some of the world's finest and award-winning products fit to delight any epicurean palate. Let your taste buds lead you on this voyage into...