Berstett

Berstett still houses the remains of the last De Berstett castle, whose old gate stands in the Château square. The village is notable for its façades decorated with *Sprüche*, pious maxims or prayers, a tradition typical of Protestant villages. Some inner courtyards, protected by a *Durchfuhr* (covered entrance passage), contain *Stube* (main rooms fully paneled with wood, featuring alcoves and waxed wooden panels) as well as collections of old agricultural tools. These private elements can only be visited by appointment.

The church preserves in its nave the tombstones of the De Berstett family.

The village, mentioned as Bersteten as early as 1120, was partially enfeoffed to the Bishopric of Strasbourg in 1441. Wido De Berstett, the first known lord of the line, is cited in a 1120 document. His descendant Garsilius, in 1190, settled a dispute with the Hanau convent regarding properties in Berstett. The family, which included several aldermen of Strasbourg and held the right of citizenship in the city, temporarily lost influence before recovering. Adam von Berstett introduced the Reformation there. The castle was looted by Croats in 1638, then rebuilt in 1742 by Jacques Adam de Berstett. His son, Philippe Reinhard, received the fief of Wickersheim in 1732 and was ennobled baron by Louis XV in 1773 for services rendered to France.