Justice palace

The Palace of Justice, located in Piazza Cavour in Rome, is one of the most imposing and significant buildings in the city, not only for its institutional function but also for its architectural and historical relevance. Designed by the Perugian architect Guglielmo Calderini, construction began in 1889 and was completed in 1911. The palace, also known as “Palazzaccio” by the Romans, is a distinctive example of Umbertine style, a fusion of Renaissance and Baroque influences, enriched by a huge amount of travertine decorations. The choice of the site for the Palace of Justice was determined by the need to centralize the judicial organs of the new capital of the Kingdom of Italy, after its unification. The alluvial soil on which the building stands required important foundation works, with a large concrete platform to ensure the stability of the structure. During the excavations, numerous archaeological finds were discovered, including sarcophagi and an ivory doll belonging to the young Crepereia Tryphaena, now exhibited at the Central Montemartini Museum. The palace covers an area of 170 by 155 meters and is completely clad in travertine, giving it a majestic and solid appearance. The main facade, facing Piazza dei Tribunali, is adorned with statues of eight jurists: Cicero, Papinian, Giovanni Battista De Luca, Giambattista Vico, Gaio, Erennio Modestino, Lucio Licinio Crasso, and Salvio Giuliano. These statues, along with the elaborate decorations and reliefs, contribute to creating an image of grandeur and solemnity. A distinctive feature of the building is the large bronze quadriga, a work by the sculptor Ettore Ximenes, placed on the side facing the Tiber River. This imposing sculpture symbolizes strength and justice, dominating the view of the rear facade. On the same facade, a bronze coat of arms of the House of Savoy emphasizes the historical and institutional importance of the palace. Inside, the Palace of Justice is equally impressive. The Hall of the Court of Cassation, also known as the Aula Magna or Aula Massima, is decorated with frescoes dedicated to the School of Roman Law, started by the Sienese artist Cesare Maccari and completed by his student Paride Pascucci after Maccari’s sudden paralysis in 1909. These frescoes illustrate scenes from Roman legal history, celebrating the legal legacy of ancient Rome and its influence on modern law. The inauguration of the palace took place on January 11, 1911, in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III, with a solemn ceremony that marked the end of a long and troubled construction period, characterized by controversies over costs and technical difficulties. Criticisms of the work, which culminated in a parliamentary inquiry in 1912, contributed to creating the urban legend of Calderini’s suicide, which, however, is not supported by the chronicles of the time. Between 1926 and 1943, the palace housed the Fascist Special Tribunal, an institution that judged crimes against the fascist State. During the German occupation of Rome, it was used as a site for executions. These dark episodes in Italian history add an additional layer of complexity and meaning to the building. In the post-war period, stability issues with the ground required further restoration works that began in 1970. During these years, there was a proposal to demolish the building due to the high costs needed for its maintenance, but ultimately the option to preserve it prevailed, recognizing its historical and symbolic value. Today, the Palace of Justice is home to the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Council of the Bar Association of Rome, as well as the Central Legal Library. Its imposing structure continues to dominate Piazza Cavour, representing a symbol of Italian justice and a monument to the architectural history of Rome.