Westhoffen Ramparts

In 1332, Westhoffen was granted city status by Emperor Louis of Bavaria, allowing it to build fortifications and hold a weekly market. The urban core, called the Staedtel, developed to the northeast for budgetary reasons. The ramparts, 520 meters long and 9 to 12 meters high, enclose an area measuring 160 meters north to south and 180 meters east to west. They include six towers and two gates: the Unterstaedteltor and the Oberstaedteltor. The wall incorporates the heart of the old Saint-Erhard Church, built in the 11th century. A dry moat surrounds the fortifications, which are now partially preserved. In 1813, the gates were demolished by decision of the town council. In the 19th century, the west wall and the northwest tower near the town hall were modified by their owner, who added a red brick gloriette that has become a symbol of Westhoffen.