Victor Schœlcher Square

Landscape - Grand-Bourg

Formerly a military parade ground, the shady square now known as Place Victor Schœlcher (named for the statesman who wrote the decree that abolished slavery on April 27, 1848) is surrounded by a number of buildings of great architectural interest. Rising from the center of the square, the imposing War Memorial bears the names of those who gave their lives for France in World War I. The work of architect Ali Tur may be seen all around the square. The former Sainte-Marie hospital building, constructed in 1932, may be seen in the background, with its solid concrete balconies protected by concrete barrier walls, and its cylindrical columns. Just next door stands the Palais de Justice (Courthouse), built in 1933 of reinforced concrete, one of three such courthouses designed by Ali Tur in all of Guadeloupe (the other two being in Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre). The courthouse has retained its original architecture with a curvilinear façade and many other distinctive features of fine workmanship throughout the building (railings, cornices, canopies). The interior features a beautiful wrought iron railing and courtroom with panels, fine woodwork, a coffered ceiling, and detail in the floor tiling. At the corner of Docteur Selbonne Street stands the Town Hall. Looking toward the sea, visitors will see the local branch of the Conseil Général (General Council) in its modern “cube-shaped” building and, a few steps further, the building that houses the Office of Tourism.