The island at the center of Nectar is known as Laan'shust-Mec ("great high seat"). At one time, all Martian cities must have been this wonderful. The Old City has only six buildings in it, but these six dwarf any other structures in town. These six great spires of the Old City are survivors from the days of the great Canal Builder civilization on Mars. They loom 200 feet tall, made of a fantastic crystalline ceramic substance that shimmers in rainbow colors when struck by sunlight.
The tower facing the Administrative Sector is the Royal Palace, where Prince Sitanni and his court dwell. The tower opposite the Enterprise Sector is the Hall of Wonders, a museum. Facing the Mercantile District is the Traders' Spire, which houses the meeting-place of the Council of Traders. Opposite the Entertainment Sector is the Great Library of Nectar. The spire facing the Mortuary Sector was damaged severely in the great earthquake; the top 40 feet collapsed. The tower is now mostly abandoned, though the lower floors are used as stables for the Prince's court. The Spire of the Gods faces the Residential Sector and contains small temples and a monastery. The now powerless Council of Priests still meets there.
The bridges linking the Old City to the rest of Nectar are guarded; the one to the Mortuary Sector now has heavy gates at both ends. During the day most citizens can pass the bridges freely, but at night access to the Old City is rigidly controlled. Crime in the Old City is virtually unknown.
In the center of the Old City are the fabulous Gardens of Naahej. The gardens have rare and beautiful plants gathered from all over Mars, perfumed fountains and ancient statues from the great eras of Martian civilization. Normally, the Gardens are restricted to the Prince and his court, members of the Council of Traders, high priests and other notables. The Prince occasionally honors a citizen by giving him access to the Gardens. As yet, only a handful of Terrans have ever been inside.