Built under the aegis of governor Eduardo Ribeiro, this building, inspired by the style of France's Second Empire and English neo-Classicism, housed the courthouse or Palácio da Justiça until 1987. It was then converted into a cultural centre and you can visit its rooms and courtrooms. Note, in particular, the superb two-coloured wooden floors and the carved jacaranda furnishings. Chamber music concerts are held here at 6pm at weekends.