Imperial City

Playing a unifying role in the mind of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the post office was one of his key concerns. Architect Ludwig Bettcher, attached to the Alsace-Lorraine post office, designed the building in the Rhenish neo-Romanesque style imposed by Kaiser Wilhelm II, with a particular focus on functionality. Built from 1908 in pink Vosges sandstone, the post office was inaugurated in 1911. It is currently awaiting renovation.

In 1873, the old station in Metz was destroyed by fire, and a new, monumental station was built in Jaumont stone. German architect Jacob Stahl chose the form of a palace in the Italian neo-Renaissance style, with two side wings symbolizing triumphal arches and rich ornamentation.

Inspired by the theories of Camillo Sitte on the art of building cities, the streets open onto the square in irregular fashion, the space is staged and green spaces coexist with the buildings. The square imposes its imperial stamp through the powerful buildings that surround it such as the old Hôtel des Corporations and the former Imperial Bank.

A cylindrical artillery tower built in the 15th century at the corner of the ancient rampart, the Camoufle tower owes its name to a master bombardier, a valiant man of war who saved the city on several occasions.

Avenue Foch was built on the demolished ramparts of the old town between 1903 and 1914. On the old town side there are villas with gardens, a tree-lined path in the centre and businesses and shops towards the train station. The buildings on either side create a remarkable ensemble of diversity and eclectic architectural styles.

This square provides a link between the old town and the Imperial Quarter. The facades of the old low 18th century houses are built of Jaumont limestone. The limestone and sandstone buildings of the German era are higher but the transition is made without detracting from the square. The buildings provide a variety of shapes and volumes that lead smoothly to the new district and the urban project that extends around the train station.