The Dendermonde courthouse was built in the center of the Belgian city of Dendermonde, according to the plans of architect Valentin Vaerwyck. It was inaugurated in 1927, but the site itself has a longer historical past.
As early as the 10th century, a castle was built on this site by Emperor Otto II, where prisoners were held, among other things. In the same place, the Carmelites started the foundation of a monastery in 1664 until it was closed in 1796 and turned into a temple of reason. The church became a courthouse in 1811 and the monastic cells were transformed into a prison. Outside, the building was given a neoclassical appearance with columns and pediment. At the end of the 19th century it was replaced by a neo-Gothic building designed by architect Pieter Van Kerkhove.
During the First World War it was set on fire by the Germans. After the war, a competition was held for the reconstruction, after which the assignment went to Valentin Vaerwyck. For the decoration, sculptors Oscar Sinia and Geo Verbanck were called upon, two artists who often collaborated with Vaerwyck. It is crowned by a statue of Ros Beiaard and the Vier Heemskinderen, flanked by owls that symbolize wisdom.
The courthouse has been a protected monument since 1996.