The courthouse, which stands at the top of Galgenberg, was completed by Poelaert in 1883. Its construction entailed the destruction of part of the Marolles district, transforming the neighbourhood forever. The size of this Classical-inspired "Mammoth" is impressive: 26 000m² of floor space, sides 150m and 160m long and a dome nearly 100m high. The main entrance is framed by a vast peristyle opening onto the Room of Lost Steps.