Piazza del Tribunale in Bolzano owes its name to city’s court located on its northern side. This monumental construction, with its large staircase, was built during the fascist era after the annexation of Alto Adige with the intent of expressing the power and strength of the Italian nation.
Bolzano was chosen by senator Ettore Tolomei to be the “driving force of assimilation” (Italianization). The court buildings also house the Prosecutor’s Office and the Bar Association. In the centre of the facade is a relief depicting seated Justice; unusually she is not blindfolded as a symbol of impartiality. To her left is a judge with the code (“Lex”) and to her right a soldier with a large sword. The phrase “Pro italico imperio virtute iustitia hierarchia unguibus et rostris" (“Virtue and justice defending the Italian empire tooth and nail”) is carved around the ceiling.
IDM Film Fund & Commission — Alto Adige
Via del Macello, 73 — 39100 Bolzano
Phone: +39 0471 094 294
Email: luisa.giuliani@idm-suedtirol.com
