Palais de Justice

A former bishop's palace, the courthouse is striking for its typical classical architecture. Guided tours with guides from the Pays d'art et d'histoire are organised two or three times a year. Information is available from the Pays de Saint-Omer Tourist and Convention Bureau.

A former episcopal palace

The city of Thérouanne has been the seat of a powerful bishopric since the 7th century. But in 1553 Charles V ordered its total destruction. With the cathedral and bishopric of Thérouanne gone, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Saint-Omer was erected as a cathedral in 1561. This collegiate church stands on the site of a church founded by Saint Omer in the 7th century, and is surrounded by an enclosure containing the houses of the canons (religious priests or clerics living in community under the Rule of Saint Augustine). The former house of the provost of the canons, which had suffered a fire, was rebuilt in the 18th century to become the episcopal palace (which belongs to the bishop).

French architecture

In 1677, Louis XIV attached Saint-Omer to the Kingdom of France. The Frenchisation of the area took place through its architecture, with Flemish inspirations giving way to French fashions. The bishops, appointed by the king, were agents of the expansion of French art. The bishop's palace is a perfect illustration of French classicism.

The Bishop's Palace is a private mansion built between courtyard and garden. The façade, however sober, is monumental: it is indeed a palace, designed to express the power of the Church. It is also a building that glorifies the king, as the pediment attests. The sun king, guiding and warming his people, towers over the globe and horns of plenty. The motto is conquering: "nec pluribus impar", "I will be enough for everything". The palace was confiscated during the French Revolution. It became a courthouse in 1795.