Most people walk past the Palácio da Justiça Porto without a second glance. A courthouse? Sounds like a place to avoid. Bureaucracy. Trials. Uncomfortable conversations. But here’s what they don’t know: this place is an iconic building filled with history, symbolism, and artistic masterpieces.

Located near Torre dos Clérigos and Jardim da Cordoaria, this striking structure serves as Porto’s Appeal Court and an informal museum showcasing sculptures and paintings by renowned Portuguese artists. Whether you explore it on your own or with a Porto Beginners Guide Tour, this landmark will change your perspective on Porto’s cultural heritage.

Architectural Symbolism of Palácio da Justiça Porto

Before the Palácio da Justiça Porto was built, the site housed the Fish Market, later replaced by Mercado de S. Sebastião, close to Sé Cathedral.

The palace, designed by architect Raúl Rodrigues Lima and inaugurated in 1961, embodies the architectural style of Portugal’s Estado Novo regime, a dictatorship that lasted nearly 50 years. Grand. Austere. Deeply symbolic. Everything about this building was designed to project authority. It whispers (or maybe shouts): Justice is serious. The State is watching!

Inspired by Roman courts, the Palácio da Justiça Porto features a wide staircase resembling the entrance to a classical temple, reinforcing the power of the state and the force of justice. The façade is lined with five symbolic sculptures by Salvador Barata Feyo, representing the Sources of Law: Doctrine, Natural Law, Law, Praxis, and Jurisprudence. And then, right in front, stands Themis, the Greek goddess of Justice.

Themis: Justice With Eyes Wide Open

A seven-meter-tall bronze statue, the largest in Portugal, represents Themis. You know the one. Blindfolded, holding scales, impartial. Except… not here. Here, Themis has her eyes wide open. Watching. Observing. Ready to adapt. Sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida made a statement: Justice isn’t blind, it evolves. It adapts to modern society instead of clinging to outdated traditions.

Behind her, a stunning Art Deco bas-relief by Euclides Vaz illustrates the evolution of justice, from Divine Law to Roman Law. Below, the Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Courage, and Temperance—stand as silent guides.

Inside the Judiciary Museum

Visitors to the Palácio da Justiça Porto can explore the Judiciary Museum (Museu Judiciário), which houses a remarkable collection of legal artifacts. Highlights include:

• A historic fingerprinting machine used for identifying prisoners;
• A collection of rare law books, including a handwritten version of Portugal’s first Commercial Code by Ferreira Borges;
• Famous court cases, such as Camilo Castelo Branco’s adultery trial and the case of Zé do Telhado, Portugal’s Robin Hood.

The Hidden Artistic Gems

Inside the Passos Perdidos (Lost Steps Hall), visitors can admire breathtaking frescoes by three Portuguese artists:

• João Martins da Costa: depicting the criminal process (Iter Criminis);
• António Figueiredo Coelho: illustrating the final destinies of humanity;
• Severo Portela Junior: showcasing historical events in Porto.

Why You Should Visit Palácio da Justiça Porto

Many locals avoid visiting Palácio da Justiça Porto because of its association with the Court. However, beyond legal proceedings, this building houses an extraordinary collection of art, history, and architecture.

If you’re in Porto, don’t just walk past. Look closer. Let Themis remind you: Justice isn’t blind. It sees everything. And maybe, so should we.

Ricardo Brochado, founder of City Tailors, beautifully captures the essence of Palácio da Justiça in this blog post, now featured on the Taste Porto blog as part of the fusion between City Tailors and Taste Porto.