Place Stanislas Nancy

Place Stanislas Click for the big photo

Stanislas and his architect Emmanuel Héré chose the site for the square which was originally opposed by Marshal de Belle-Isle who was the French military commander of the province. The foundation's of the first building in the square was laid in March 1752 and the royal square was inaugurated in November 1755.

Layed out around the square are five stunning palaces complete with balconies and balustrades. When the square was first built, in the centre of the square there was a bronze statue of Louis XV in the uniform of a roman general. This was sculptured by two famous sculptors called Guibal and Cyfflé. The statue disappeared during the French Revolution and in 1851 a new statue King Stanislas was erected in its place.

Along the north side are single story galleried buildings which continue along Rue Héré. Probably the most striking feature of Place Stanislas is the magnificent gilded wrought-iron railings which were designed by Jean Lamour. Also, just as impressive are the Fountains of Neptune and Amphitrite which are at the ends of the streets entering the square. Both fountains were designed by Barthélemy Guibal. The largest palace around the square is the Hôtel de Ville with it's magnificent banisters designed by Lamour on the staircase.

The buildings surrounding the square are typically classical in style. The City Hall spreads out along the whole length of the south side and the pediment above the main entrance is decorated with the coats of arms of both Stanislas and the town of Nancy. On the east side you'll find the Grand Hotel and the Opera House. On the west side lay the Jacquet dwelling and the Fine Arts Museum. Back in the time of King Stanislas, this was The College of Medicine.