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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The courthouse of Bordeaux, also known as the Thiac Palace, was built between 1839 and 1846 on the grounds of the former castle of Ha, under the direction of architect Joseph-Adolphe de Thiac. This neoclassical building, inaugurated in 1846, is distinguished by its central portico with sixteen canned doric columns, framed by two blind wings decorated with legal symbols. Three identical pediments are prominently overhanging, while statues of personalities such as Montesquieu and Malesherbes decorate the corners of the lateral masses.

The Salle des Pas Perdus, covered with a boxed ceiling and equipped with eighteen front-body columns, is accessible by a staircase of 17 steps. The side façades take on the sober style of the ends of the main façade. The monument, partially protected since 1979 (façades, roofs and Salle des Pas Perdus), illustrates the 19th century judicial architecture. It coexisted today with a second modern courthouse (1998), both located on the historic site of Fort du Ha.

The Thiac Palace, now a court of appeal, embodies the legal and architectural heritage of Bordeaux. Its sober and monumental style reflects the republican values of rigour and solemnity, while paying tribute to major figures of French law. Architects Thiac, Lasserre and Matabon collaborated in its creation, combining ancient references and modern functionality for a building still in operation.

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