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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The oil tower, located in Ammerschwihr in the Upper Rhine, is a vestige of the medieval fortifications of the city. Built between the 14th century and the first half of the 16th century, it is distinguished by its semicircular shape, with a right side and a foothill decorated with bosses. This tower, formerly called the Citizen's Tower, marks the western corner of the urban enclosure, of which a section of wall still remains.

Its current name, Tower of Oil, would come from temporary use as an oil depot, although this function is not accurately documented. The tower has been listed as historic monuments since May 5, 1931, recognizing its heritage value. It is located on Rue de la Rivière-aux-Bains, near the former Ofengasse, and today belongs to the commune.

Architecturally, the tower illustrates Alsatian defensive construction techniques, with elements such as bosses and traces of the urban enclosure. Its state of conservation and its integration into the urban fabric is a rare testimony to the civil fortifications of the region. No information is available on its current accessibility or contemporary use (visits, rentals, etc.).

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