The heart of Nancy is defined by three adjacent urban squares. At the limit of the new town and the old town, the alignment of the first two squares opens up a 500 m. long perspective view that creates a sense of harmonious and rational unity. The Triumphal Arch defines the passage and the link between these two squares, which are known as Place de la Carrière and Place Royale; the latter, which is the main centre of the design, is adjacent to the third square, Place d'Alliance. The urban fabric of Nancy also includes several gates which testify to the existence of the old fortications.

The most important elements of the urban landscape date to the 18th century. The monumental architecture of the famous squares is both Classical and Baroque in inspiration. Besides the Triumphal Arch, statues and fountains are integrated into these prestigious achievements, the principal architect of which was Emmanuel Héré. The cast iron grillwork, with its gold highlights, is of the "rocaille" style and adds the finishing touch to these rich urban and architectural ensembles; Jean Lamour is responsible for this exceptional ironwork.