There are three courthouses in Montreal. The first one is located close to the City Hall on the Notre Dame Street. In fact, the “real” first one built in 1823 no longer exists. It was destroyed by fire in 1844. On the same location, but much larger, another one was in built. That’s the building still existing and it is known as the “first” Palace. It is very beautiful and majestic with its columns that suggest an air of ancient Greece. Its architecture gives an impression of a temple, of something sacred, an image that was given then to justice.
It was inaugurated in 1856. At that moment, the building was one story lower and the dome did not exist. These additions were made from 1890 to 1894. It has been used as courts up to 1971. However, in 1922 the criminal cases were transferred at a new Palace in front of the first one. It will be discussed in a next page. Only civil cases were kept. A tunnel connected the two Palaces. Now it hosts offices of the city of Montréal.
