Place Massena is a historic public square located in the heart of Nice, a city in the French Riviera. It was designed by the French architect Joseph Vernier in the mid-19th century, as part of the urban renewal program of Nice promoted by Emperor Napoleon III. The square is named after André Massena, a French military commander who played an important role in the Napoleonic Wars.

The architecture of Place Massena is characterized by a harmonious blend of different styles and influences, including Italianate, Baroque, and Neoclassical. The square is lined with elegant buildings painted in shades of ochre, pink, and red, with elaborate facades and balconies adorned with wrought-iron railings. At the center of the square stands a monumental statue of Massena, which was created by the French sculptor Victor Nicolas and erected in 1869.

Place Massena is also known for its striking black-and-white pavement, which features a graphic pattern of red ochre in the shape of a sunburst. This pavement was designed by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa in 2007, as part of a major urban renovation project that aimed to enhance the identity and attractiveness of the square. The pattern of the pavement reflects the intense sunlight and Mediterranean climate of Nice, and creates a dramatic contrast with the colorful buildings and blue sky of the city.