The Vieux Palais de Justice, currently known as the Service des Finances building, is one of the most stunning buildings in the area. The huge stone pillars and the grandeur of the edifice are what truly catch the eye, making it one of Montreal’s more awe-inspiring landmarks.
In 1849, the government of Canada launched an architectural competition to design a new courthouse. British architect John Ostell and Montreal architect Henri-Maurice Perrault won the golden prize and were chosen to design this iconic building.
It was inaugurated in 1856 and marked the end of Quebec’s neo-classical period. The columns are reminiscent of Greco-Roman ancestry, while the overall architecture was influenced by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
It was built using ashlar (large, square-cut stones) and cost roughly $400,000 to build, which now would be equivalent to $10,224,891.43.
Between 1925 and 1970, the province of Quebec used the building for civil cases; however, as of 1974, when Quebec gave the building to the city of Montreal, it has been used by the Finance and Budgetary Control of the City of Montreal.
155 Rue Notre-Dame Est, Montréal, QC H2Y
Source: http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca
