Photo: Photoglob Co., publisher · Public domain · via Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons
Courthouse · Brussels, Belgium
Palais de Justice
- Dated
- Dated 1866–83
- Declared purpose
- Law courts
- Today
- Survives, partly under restoration for decades
- Architect of record
- Joseph Poelaert, architect: about 44 when credited (1861, born 1817). Build time on record: about 17 years (1866–83).All architects of record →
Hidden history
Found, Not Built
Said to be the largest building raised in the 19th century, with a dome over a hilltop above the city. What the photos show is a mountain of stone.
Bigger than St. Peter's
The record says it is larger than St. Peter's Basilica. Researchers ask how it was done in 17 years.
The architect died first
Joseph Poelaert died in 1879, before it was finished.
A whole quarter cleared
Part of the Marolles district was demolished to make room.
Questions worth asking
- How was this much stone cut and raised by 1883?
- Why has the scaffolding stayed up for so long?
Possible original uses
- A palace or seat of power
- A temple complex on a hill
What the photos show
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Surrounding Buildings
Old buildings nearby in Brussels. Compare the stone, the domes and the dates.
Lost Buildings
Neighbours that were torn down or burned. Tap one for its photos.
Further viewing
Episodes from My Lunch Break (Michael Kruse), the main lens for this app. They open on YouTube.
