The architect prince Charles of Gonzague undertook to build his town in 1606 on the domain of Rethel, facing the citadel of Mézières. He had a precise idea of its architecture and established the rules of construction and the materials required. He wanted the city's structure based on the number 4. The main square would be cut by four avenues delimiting four residential areas. Charles of Gonzague called on the architect Clément Métezeau, whose brother Louis designed the Place des Vosges in Paris. The Place Ducale of Charleville was listed as a Historical Monument in 1936.