Rouen Palace of Justice, in the historic center of the city, was built from 1499 to house the Exchequer of Normandy (a judicial institution that also function chamber of accounts).
The site became the headquarters of the Parliament of Normandy under King Francis I in 1515, and it turns into a courthouse after the French Revolution.
Symbol of prosperity Rouen the early sixteenth century, the building is an example of Louis XII style. Historical Monument in 1840, the palace is very affected by the bombings in April and August 1944 and must be then an identical restoration which will only be completed in 1970 and will justify a new ranking.
Another characteristic of this emblem of the city is to have been built in several phases: the west wing is the oldest and housed the Exchequer of Normandy. Followed from 1508 enlargement that leads to the construction of a perpendicular building, the Royal Palace, which was completed when Parliament was created. The decoration of this central body is most remarkable seem to come off the roof and a large skylights bristling balustrade pinnacles interconnected by perforated abutments.
Then, in the nineteenth century, new additions are yet undertaken.
The whole is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture which also announces the Renaissance.
Note also that in 1976, was discovered at the courtyard "Sublime House" dating from 1100, then in the heart of the Jewish quarter of the city. This name is derived from a Hebrew inscription on the base of the walls, from the Book of Kings meaning: "Let this house be always sublime". According to experts, this "house" was a rabbinical school who could also serve as a synagogue. Romanesque style, the remains show that under William the Conqueror, Rouen was a center of intellectual life.
The courthouse still houses the judicial institutions. His visit is therefore carried out under specific conditions. Except to simply admire this remarkable building from the outside.
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