Dorfgraben, the original enclosure of Westhoffen

From its founding in the Gallo-Roman era, this village was protected by a primitive enclosure called the Dorfgraben. Its existence is confirmed until the early 19th century. This fortification consisted of a ditch draining local springs and waterways, as well as a palisade supported by sandstone pillars. Today, remnants of these pillars can still be seen in several parts of the village. The enclosure, 2.5 kilometers long, was pierced by five now-disappeared gates: the Klingeltor leading to Wasselonne, the Badstubtor towards Strasbourg, the Schaeftor towards Bergbieten, the Kalfentor towards Balbronn, and the Westertor to the west. Research has identified eight different types of pillars, suggesting a varied and carefully adapted construction to its environment.