The Supreme Court of Cassation sits in the Palazzo di Giustizia, a monumental courthouse on the Tiber in Rome’s Prati district. Italy’s highest court of appeal occupies a vast building completed in 1911 and designed by Guglielmo Calderini. From outside, look for the ornate stone facade, columns, statues and bronze chariot of Victory on the roof. The courthouse is an active government building, so interior access is limited; plan this as an architectural stop on a walk through the area.
A monumental courthouse on the Tiber
The Palazzo di Giustizia stands in Rome’s Prati district, beside the Tiber. It houses the Supreme Court of Cassation, Italy’s highest court of appeal, as well as the country’s Judicial Library. The courthouse was completed in 1911 and designed by architect Guglielmo Calderini.
Its scale is part of the experience: the building is a large complex, and its elaborate decoration makes it a striking presence along the river. Its design draws on Renaissance and Baroque styles, with ornate detailing set against long, regular lines.
Sculptures and details on the facade
The exterior is the main focus for a short visit. Look for columns, statues and reliefs across the richly decorated facade, then turn your attention to the roof, where a bronze chariot of Victory drawn by four horses crowns the entrance. Statues of ancient Roman jurists, including Cicero, stand near the entrance.
Locals sometimes call the courthouse “Il Palazzaccio,” a nickname linked to its immense size and elaborate appearance. The name gives a sense of how strongly the building’s scale and ornamentation shape its reputation.
What to know about visiting
The Supreme Court is an active government building, and access to its interior is limited. The Great Hall, or Aula Magna, is decorated with frescoes and marble sculptures representing justice, wisdom and truth, but do not plan on seeing it as part of a routine exterior visit.
The area around the courthouse suits a walk along the Tiber. Umberto I Bridge, directly in front of the building, provides a view back toward the palace and toward St Peter’s. Renovation has at times covered parts of the exterior, so check what is visible when you arrive.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome?
It is Italy’s highest court of appeal and is housed in the Palazzo di Giustizia in the Prati district.
Can you go inside the Palace of Justice?
Interior access is limited because it is an active government building. Plan to see the exterior rather than count on visiting the courtrooms.
What should I look for on the building?
Look for the ornate facade, columns, statues and reliefs, as well as the bronze chariot of Victory on the roof.
