For some time the Commission Internationale pour lHistoire des Villes has been working actively on the comprehensive topic of urban space which is also the aim of this book result of conferences in Lisbon (2013) and in Clermont-Ferrand (2014). Two thematic priorities are presented in this combined English and French speaking volume: on the one hand cultural-symbolic spaces, on the other hand complexity of urban districts which formed in spite of all diversities collective cities (such as Clermont-Ferrand). Continuous transformation of urban space and dichotomy shaped cities: Cities can be understood as space of town rulers, but also as space of a growing boheme, but you will find also neighbourhood of Jewish and Muslim quarters.