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Origin and history

The triumphal arch, often referred to as the "Here Arc", is a building erected in the 18th century north of Stanislas Square in Nancy. It replaces the old Royal Gate built under Louis XIV, destroyed in 1752 by Stanislas. The works, carried out from 1753 to 1755, were inspired by ancient arches such as that of Septime Sévère in Rome. The monument, designed by Emmanuel Heré, combines a defensive function (integrated with the ramparts) and a symbolism glorifying Louis XV, illustrated by statues and bas-reliefs evoking war and peace.

The arch is richly decorated on its main face, visible from Stanislas Square. There are statues of Ceres, Minerve, Hercules and Mars, as well as a medallion of Louis XV supported by Minerve and an allegory of peace. The white marble bas-reliefs, taken from the old Royal Gate, represent Apollo, Mercury and muses. The Latin inscriptions, restored after being replaced by revolutionary currencies in 1830, celebrate the victories and peace of the sovereign. The original medallion, destroyed during the Revolution, was replaced by a golden lead version, withdrawn in 1830 and reinstalled in 1852.

Originally linked to the ramparts by galleries, the arc lost its defensive function after the destruction of the walls (1772 east, 1847 west). It then becomes an autonomous urban symbol. Ranked a historic monument in 1923, it is inscribed with the Place Stanislas and the Place de la Carrière to the UNESCO World Heritage in 1983, hailed as an architectural masterpiece illustrating the Century of Lights.

The arch is part of a harmonious urban complex, marking the transition between the Place Stanislas and the Place de la Carrière. Its east and west sides, decorated with statues, overlook Vaudémont Square and Nelson-Mandela Square respectively. The monument, large and massive, reflects its original dual use: fortified door and triumphal arch celebrating royal glory. The sculptures, made by Guibal, and the architectural elements (corinthian columns, arcades) highlight his classical inspiration.

The political transformations marked its history: the destruction of the royal medallion in 1792, the replacement of Latin inscriptions with revolutionary currencies in 1830, and the restoration of monarchic elements under the Second Empire. These changes reflect the ideological upheavals of France, from the Ancien Régime to the Republic, while preserving the architectural integrity of the monument.

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