Imperial Town

Perched at the foot of vineyards and forests, Kaysersberg owes its growth to a castle built by Emperor Frederick II (1194-1250) after a conflict with the Duke of Lorraine. This fortified castle, located on the strategic route connecting Upper Alsace to the Duchy of Lorraine, locked the entrance to the valley and controlled its passage, thus promoting the development of the town. In the 13th century, a first enclosure surrounded the town, some remains of which still exist on Old Hospital Street. Two other enclosures, added later, expanded the urban area from east to west. In 1514, the fortified stone bridge was rebuilt; it remains a unique military structure in the region. Today, the town still preserves traces of its fortifications and defense towers, recalling its historical role in protecting trade between territories.