Riquewihr, Fortified medieval village in Alsace, France.
Riquewihr is a fortified village in Alsace's wine region, characterized by over 100 half-timbered houses from the 15th to 18th centuries featuring traditional Alsatian details. The streets are narrow and enclosed by walls, with a main gate tower called the Dolder and smaller towers positioned for defense at key points.
The village developed as a lordship holding in the Middle Ages and was fortified with walls and towers to defend against attackers. Over the centuries, it remained relatively spared during conflicts and changes in rule, which helped preserve its medieval structure to the present day.
Wine production has shaped life here for centuries, and visitors notice wineries, tasting rooms, and dried grape vines adorning building facades throughout the streets. Local people take pride in their Riesling and Gewurztraminer, and this identity is visible in how they use and present their spaces.
The village is easy to explore on foot since everything is compact within the walls and pathways are clearly laid out from the Dolder gate. The best time to visit is outside peak season when fewer visitors are present, allowing you to observe the buildings and architectural details more closely.
The village escaped bombing and major damage during World War II while many surrounding areas were destroyed. This stroke of fortune means visitors today see nearly the same layout and appearance that residents saw 300 years ago.
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