At an altitude of 2,483 ft (757 m) above Riquewihr, the castle of Bilstein-Aubure dominated the valley where the Strenbach flows. It was mentioned in 1217 as being occupied by the counts of Horbourg, under the authority of the Duchy of Lorraine. The castle was then sold to Ulrich of Württemberg. He possessed an image of the Virgin that was said to be miraculous and to have the power to heal episodes of possession. It was transferred to a sanctuary that became the church of Our Lady of Riquewihr in 1387. It generated a large influx of pilgrims in the village.