Law Courts Square (Place du Palais de Justice)

Why is it significant?

Step onto the sun-warmed stone stairs of Place du Palais de Justice, one of the most vibrant and welcoming public gathering spots in Old Nice.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Step onto the sun-warmed stone stairs of Place du Palais de Justice, one of the most vibrant and welcoming public gathering spots in Old Nice. Dominated by the neoclassical grandeur of the Law Courts building inaugurated in 1892 on the site of a thirteenth-century Dominican monastery dissolved during the French Revolution, this generous square provides a delightful contrast to the densely packed medieval lanes that branch out from its edges. The monumental temple-like portico, supported by six massive classical stone columns beneath a grand allegorical pediment of Justice and Law, exudes the solemn civic dignity of late nineteenth-century French republican architecture. Bustling outdoor café terraces, weekend second-hand book markets, antique print dealers, and gifted street musicians bring a vibrant, bohemian southern charm to the open flagstones through every season of the year. The surrounding residential townhouses painted in warm shades of golden ochre and burnt sienna feature traditional tall wooden shutters designed to shade interior living quarters during hot summer afternoons. Here, the solemn dignity of the justice system and the relaxed joie de vivre of southern café society meet in effortless everyday harmony under the warm, bright coastal sky of Nice.

Notice the broad granite flight of steps leading to the court entrance: it serves as an informal amphitheatre where locals, students, and travellers sit to enjoy ice cream and sunshine.

Archaeological excavations beneath the square revealed vaulted medieval crypts and residential foundations belonging to the Dominican friars who lived here for five centuries.

Notorious safe-cracker Albert Spaggiari escaped custody from this courthouse in March 1977 by audaciously jumping out of a second-floor judicial office window onto a waiting motorcycle.

Walk a short block south down Rue de la Poissonnerie to immerse your senses in the vibrant colours of Cours Saleya.