TRIOMPHAL ARCH

The triumphal arch was built to honour Louis XV at the same time as Stanislas Square. This impressive gate was built in the middle of the ramparts separating the Old Town from the New Town. It is a reminder of the Triumphal Arches set up by the Roman emperors to glorify themselves and in particular the one for Septimius Severus in Rome.

Elegant columns on plinths frame the three arches on both sides while an attic storey with reliefs crowns the whole edifice, itself topped with statues situated vertically above the columns. The decorations are centred on the theme of war and peace (referring to the victory of Fontenoy and the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle). A gilded medallion of Louis XV in profile dominates the entire structure.