Palace of Justice
About Palace of Justice
The Palace of Justice stands at Splaiul Independenței 5, on the bank of the Dâmbovița, a few steps from the Old Town. It was designed by the French architect Albert Ballu, also known for the palace of justice in Charleroi, and by Ion Mincu. King Carol I laid the foundation stone on 7 October 1890, and the building was inaugurated in 1895.
The style is Beaux-Arts, with French Renaissance influences: white stone façades, tall pilasters and a mansard roof with dormer windows and metal ornaments along the ridge. After earthquakes weakened the structure, the building stood unused for a while and was restored in 2003–2006. It now houses the Bucharest Court of Appeal and other judicial institutions.
What you can see
The façade facing the river is the palace's best side. Above the main entrance stand allegorical statues, among them Law, Justice and Truth, the work of the sculptors Carol and Frederic Storck and others, and at the top is the clock, flanked by two more figures. The tall arched windows are framed by pilasters and statue niches, and broad steps lead up to the large wooden doors. The palace is best seen from the Dâmbovița embankment, from the end of a bridge or from the pavement on Splaiul Independenței; at sunset the light falls beautifully on the stone.
Good to know
The palace is a working court and cannot be visited like a museum. People enter the building, after a security check, only for court hearings and business with the court. Visitors see the façades from outside, at any time, from the riverbank.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The allegorical statues above the main entrance, with the clock at the top.
- The white stone façade, with tall pilasters and arched windows, seen from the bank of the Dâmbovița.
- The French-style mansard roof, with dormer windows and metal ornaments along the ridge.
- The broad steps and the large wooden doors at ground-floor level.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the palace is on Splaiul Independenței, on the bank of the Dâmbovița, in central Bucharest. Traffic is heavy and parking spaces are few.
Public transport: the Piața Unirii metro station (M1, M3) is about a 10-minute walk away; the Old Town is a short stroll.
- Where to park
The building has no visitor car park. Around it you park on the streets, for a fee, and spaces are few; public transport is more convenient.
- Fees & discounts
The interior cannot be visited, so there is no ticket; the exterior can be seen free of charge from the street.
- Rules
The palace is a working court: people enter the building, after a security check, only for hearings and business with the court. The exterior can be photographed from public space.
Frequently asked questions about Palace of Justice
- How much is a ticket to Palace of Justice?
- Admission to Palace of Justice is free (the exterior can be seen from the street). The interior cannot be visited, so there is no ticket; the exterior can be seen free of charge from the street.
- What are the opening hours of Palace of Justice?
- Opening hours at Palace of Justice: daily open 24 hours. The exterior can be seen at any time, from Splaiul Independenței. The interior cannot be visited: people enter the building, after a security check, only for court hearings and business with the court.
- How long does a visit to Palace of Justice take?
- A visit to Palace of Justice takes about 20 min (exterior only).
- Can you visit Palace of Justice with kids?
- Yes, Palace of Justice is suitable for children (just a stop on the riverside).
- Where can I park at Palace of Justice?
- There is paid parking at Palace of Justice (on the street, in the central area). The building has no visitor car park. Around it you park on the streets, for a fee, and spaces are few; public transport is more convenient.
- How do I get to Palace of Justice?
- Palace of Justice is located at Splaiul Independenței 5, sector 4, București. By car: the palace is on Splaiul Independenței, on the bank of the Dâmbovița, in central Bucharest. Traffic is heavy and parking spaces are few. Public transport: the Piața Unirii metro station (M1, M3) is about a 10-minute walk away; the Old Town is a short stroll.
- When is the best time to visit Palace of Justice?
- The best season for Palace of Justice: All year round (the exterior can be seen all year).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Palace of Justice, sorted by distance.
0 km from Palace of Justice
0 km from Palace of Justice
0 km from Palace of Justice