Allegheny County Courthouse & Historic Jail

Allegheny County Courthouse in 2016.jpg

WEB: www.alleghenycounty.us
PHONE: (412) 350-4636

Completed in 1888, the Allegheny Courthouse complex is one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic structures. It is a signature project of noted architect Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-1886) — so much so that it is an excellent example of a style known as Richardsonian Romanesque.

Richardsonian Romanesque emphasizes clear, strong picturesque massing and round-headed arches often found in 11th and 12th century European buildings.

The courthouse is centered around an interior courtyard, thus allowing natural light and fresh air to reach most of the building. The courtyard is surrounded by four stories in three sides. A tower rises five stories from the courtyard’s open side. The entire complex was built of large rusticated blocks of granite, with the entrance ways and windows topped with wide arches.

Connected to the courthouse is what is now called the Old Allegheny Jail (which was succeeded by a nearby modern structure in 1995). Today, the jail houses the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Family Division.

The connecting element is a handsome walkway patterned after the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy.

STANDARD OPERATING HOURS:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PARKING:
There are various parking garages located downtown within walking distance of the complex.

PORT AUTHORITY ROUTES:

52L53L5657 5865818283P12P76Blue LineRed Line

Upcoming Events


Address
436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 United States