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Origin and history

Obernai's ramparts are a medieval and reborn defensive system, built in several phases to protect the city. The first stone enclosure, erected around 1275-1280, coincides with Obernai's accession to city status. A second concentric enclosure, added around 1298, follows a pattern still visible today. These fortifications were regularly modernized to adapt to the progress of artillery, notably with the addition of bastions (Bollwercke) in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The ramparts suffered damage during the 17th century conflicts, especially after the passages of the troops of Mansfeld (1622) and the Swedes (1632). Partially dismantled in 1674, they lost their military function with the decommissioning of the stronghold in 1791. The twelve gates were destroyed between the 18th century and 1840, but twenty-five towers remain. Classified as a historical monument in 1898, the remains today belong to the commune and private owners.

The suburb of the suburb, prior to 1462, completes this complex defensive device. The restorations documented in 1454, as well as the works of 1476, 1592, 1603 and 1609, illustrate the continuous effort to adapt fortifications to external threats. Their present state, though partial, offers a rare testimony of Alsatian military architecture over nearly four centuries.

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