Comenius Tower

Philosopher and pedagogue Jan Amos Komenský, known as ‘Comenius’ (1592-1670), was the first advocate for universal education. Convinced that social advancement should be the product of education rather than birth, he fought for equal opportunities and education for all, regardless of wealth, religion or gender. Heralded as the father of modern education, Comenius also revolutionised methods for teaching languages, in particular Latin, the language of knowledge, to encourage as many people as possible to learn it. Translated into some 15 languages, his textbooks were, for more than a century, the most widely used textbooks in Europe, which contributed to the expansion of multilingualism as a gateway to knowledge.

By honouring the name of Comenius, who travelled throughout Europe promoting more open and egalitarian teaching of languages, the Court of Justice of the European Union is highlighting the values of multilingualism and is paying tribute to those who contribute every day to the defence of Europe's linguistic wealth.

The Comenius Tower is part of the fourth extension of the Palais.

The tower’s golden colour comes from the anodised aluminium mesh, which acts as a sunshade. This same mesh has also been used in the other buildings to create a unified architectural whole. Through the pattern of its structure, the brightness of its texture and the depth of its layers, the metal weave gives the building a recognisable identity.

At the time of its inauguration in December 2008, together with its twin, the Montesquieu Tower, the Comenius Tower was the tallest building in the country. Its 26 floors reach a height of 103 metres, since surpassed by the Rocca Tower.