The Palace of Justice is an imposing, impressive building which is one of the landmarks on the western bank of the Tiber. It serves as the seat for the supreme Court of Cassation, and also houses the Italian central library of law.
It was built between the years 1888-1910 by the architect Guglielmo Calderini, and was one of the major building projects after the proclamation of Rome as the capital of Italy. Due to its location, the alluvial soil near the river had to be strengthened and a plateau was formed to enable the construction of such a massive building. The Palace of Justice was finally inaugurated in 1911, in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III.
During my last visit to Rome the shuttle from my conference venue had its terminus in front of the Palace of Justice, so that I passed there every day. I could not help thinking that entering this massive edifice must be intimidating, with stern marble figures looking down on you as you enter...
Updated Oct 1, 2011
Address: Piazza cavour / Piazza dei Tribunali, Rome
In other cities this building would have been a tourist attraction, in Rome it is just ignored although it is colossal building assembling elements of Renaissance and Neoclassicism styles.
It is just on the other side of the Tiber when arriving from Piazza Navona by the Umberto I bridge on the way to Castel S. Angelo.
The Italian Supreme Court of Justice, designed by Guglielmo Calderini was built between 1889 and 1910. It is a symbol of the national identity of modern Italy.
It was erected on purpose at proximity of Castel St. Angelo and the S. Pietro Basilica by the liberal secular government to counterbalance the spiritual authority of the Church by a construction symbolizing the temporal authority of the new Italian state.
The building is in travertine with some Baroque excess of decoration and statues especially on the main façade oriented towards the Tiber.
The Romans, rather critical about the buildings of that period (ref. the Vittoriano monument), called it the "Palazzaccio" what means the "Ugly Palace".
Now from some distance, the Lungotevere or Umberto I bridge, it doesn't look so bad. The bronze quadrige is superb.
Walking along the Tiber from the Ponte Umberto I to the Ponte S. Angelo provides the best views on the Palazzo de Giustizia and on the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Written Apr 5, 2008
Address: Piazza Cavour
It’s more known as the “Palazzaccio”. The court building is characterized by the fact that the central block is higher than those on either side (3 floors). The architecture is also accompanied by typical examples of monumental sculpture, such as the large Quadriga, the enormous statues of the Jurists on the entrance ramps, the group with Justice Force and the Law on the central portal.
Written Aug 16, 2005
Known best as the "Palazzaccio" or "Big Bad Palace" due to its harsh lines and excessive decoration, today it is the location of the Supreme Court of Appeals. It was built by Guglielmo Calderini between 1888 and 1910 in giant blocks of travertine stone, which caused a sink hole.
Written Jul 27, 2005
Address: Opposite Ponte Umberto
The monumental Palace of Justice was built between 1889 and 1910 to house the national law courts. Its riverside facade is crowned with a bronze chariot and fronted by giant statues of the great men of Italian law. Because of the nature of its business, it was soon nicknamed “Il Palazzaccio” (“The Ugly Palace”).
Written Mar 15, 2005
Address: Piazza Cavour
The palace of justice was built between 1889 and 1910. It served as a building were the national courts were seated. It had to symbolise justice. But it never got loved by the romans. They even call it the big ugly palace (Palazzaccio) due to the cases handeled there and excessive decoration. Today it is the location of the Supreme Court of Appeals.
In the 70's it was almost collapsing due to its own weight. Now it is restored.
The building is not open to the public, but a monumental sight along your walk to the Vatican.
Written Feb 4, 2004
Address: Piazza Cavour
The Palazzaccio, meaning the "ugly palace", is the nickname for the Palazzo di Giustizia (National Law Courts). It was built between 1889 and 1910. In the picture you can see the riverside façade, crowned with a bronze chariot.
Written Sep 10, 2003
Address: Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour, Palazzo di Giustizia, and Piazza di Tribunali. Palace of Justice is very beautiful building, a real Palace.
Written Aug 25, 2002
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Piazza Cavour, Palazzo di Giustizia, and Piazza di Tribunali. Palace of Justice is very beautiful building, a real Palace.
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