District Court

At the end of the 19th century, the annexation profoundly changed the city's administrative organization, making the existing court premises too small to accommodate the expanded powers of the Amtsgericht (district court). Keen to assert its authority, the German administration decided to erect a new imposing building near the prison and the Landgericht (regional court). Construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1902, when the building was inaugurated. In 1919, it was converted into a tribunal d'instance (local court), a function it has retained since.

Its architecture, inspired by late Gothic style and Renaissance influences, perfectly embodies the Wilhelmian era's aesthetic. The building's exterior is distinguished by an abundance of decorative details: gargoyles perched on cornices, openwork railings with elegant motifs, sculptures on various themes, windows of contrasting shapes and sizes, and ornate wrought iron grilles. Each architectural element contributes to creating a façade that is both majestic and rich in symbolism.

The interior of the court is equally impressive, with warm-colored stained glass filtering soft light, wrought iron chandeliers hanging from stylized bird heads, and allegorical sculptures evoking the idea of justice. These illustrate a balanced conception of law, symbolized by "an iron hand in a velvet glove," where firmness is accompanied by restraint and benevolence.