Ever fancied looking inside a courtroom or modern jail cell, without having to have a run-in with the Swiss police? Well, for one day only, the Palais de Justice in Geneva will be opening its doors to the public on October 1!

Visit the Palais de Justice in Geneva on October 1

From 9.30am to 5pm on October 1, 2022, the Palais de Justice in Geneva will open its doors to the public. Organised as part of the eighth edition of “Democracy Week," the courthouse will open to give visitors a special opportunity to see the inner workings of the court system in Switzerland.

In a statement on the Justice Department website, authorities promise a “varied programme for young and old.” Some of the events include:

• Witnessing and participating in a “mock trial” through virtual reality
• Historical tours of the Palais de Justice (in French and English), including visiting courtrooms and holding cells
• Lectures about the court process
• Conferences and exchange spaces
• Drawing competitions

The vans used to transport suspects through the city will also be on full display. According to World Radio Switzerland, the event will be attended by real judges and prosecutors, who will be able to answer any questions you may have about their job. You may even get a chance to wear a judge's robe!

Get an insight into the Genevan judicial system

Alongside the many interesting events planned at the Palais de Justice, the history of the building itself also makes it well worth a visit. Starting off as a convent in the Middle Ages, the palace spent the majority of its life as a hospital, before becoming the seat of the Genevan judicial system in 1860.

Visitors will be able to access the palace from the door at 1, place du Bourg-de-Four (disabled guests should enter via 9, rue des Chaudronniers) and all prospective attendees will be subject to a security check on entry. For more information, check out the official website.