Balbronn Fortifications

Originally, the church was protected by a nearly quadrangular fortified enclosure built in the 15th century. A walkway is still visible to the north. Access was from the west via a drawbridge, while to the northwest, a tower called the Judenturm once served as a prison for the villagers and those from Traenheim. In 1988, a Romanesque residential tower was uncovered in the ditch surrounding the church. Its dimensions were 10 meters by 10 meters. The village itself was surrounded by a defensive ditch called the dorgraben, preceded by hedgerows. Three gates allowed access: the Obertor, the Niedertor, and the Burgtor. Thanks to these fortifications, the village was able to ensure its own defense.