OLD COURTHOUSE

In the Middle Ages, the stronghold of the lords of Montpellier was located on the site of the former courthouse, the highest point of the city: the Guilhems. It was already at that location that they exercised their power at the time. The fortress was destroyed in 1206 to make room for the royal palace of Aragon which would be completed in 1250. The Royal Palace underwent severe deterioration during the Religious wars. It was partially rebuilt in the 17th century to become one of the most beautiful one of the kingdom. Again rebuilt and enlarged in the mid-19th century, it has not changed since then. Its architecture is characterized by its well-balanced proportions and its main façade with triangular roof, supported by columns with Corinthian capitals. We can admire a fresco of the sculptor Romus representing "Justice protecting the innocent and unveiling crime". His peristyle is adorned with the statues of Cambacérès, the illustrious magistrate of Montpellier, and the Cardinal of Fleury, Minister of Louis XV and native of the region. The new courthouse, where the magistrates of Montpellier are now working, is just a few steps away from the Promenade du Peyrou: Place Pierre-Fleet.