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Origin and history

The medieval enclosures of Colmar were commissioned by Emperor Frederick II and built between 1216 and 1220 under the direction of the Imperial Provost Woelflin of Haguenau. Initially 2 km long and 7 to 8 metres high, this yellow sandstone enclosure covered 19 hectares, with three doors: the Kerkertor (Kléber Street), the Steinbrückertor (Six-Montagnes-Noires Square) and the Deinheimtor (Grand-Rue). It was enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries to include the northern and eastern suburbs.

In the 17th century, faced with the emergence of the bombardments, Vauban designed new ramparts with moat. However, in 1673 Louvois ordered their razing, reusing the bricks to build the old hospital. Today, only about 100 metres of wall (up to 5 m) along the Lauch, as well as the bases of two square towers — one of which is transformed into a dwelling — and the deadliest in recessed stone. These remains, which have been listed as historical monuments since 1929, illustrate the evolution of defensive techniques.

The original architecture combines bricks and yellow sandstone, with subsequent additions such as a 16th century gunboat and sandstone or limestone fire slots. The remains, located on Schwendi Street and Quai de la Poissonnerie, recall the strategic role of Colmar, the imperial city of the Holy Empire, before its integration into the Kingdom of France. Subsequent doors (Bâle, Deinheim, Rouffach) marked the major commercial axes of medieval Alsace.

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