Courthouse

Architecture - Basse-Terre

Built in 1934 by architect Ali Tur and classified as a historic monument in 2007, this building contains a court of appeals, a lower and an upper court, a Tribunal Administratif (for adjudicating civil service matters) and a Conseil des Prud’hommes (employment tribunal). Like its neighboring building the Conseil Général, its façade features high colonnades and imposing staircases. The group of buildings is arranged around a circular patio overlooked by the two courtrooms and offices. The Salle des assises (criminal courtroom) was designed with particular care, featuring natural ventilation (originally), mahogany furniture and wood paneling and, in keeping with Ali Tur’s architectural principles, a floor covering of ceramic-earthenware tiles.