Defense was paramount in cities of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. City status was only granted to fortified towns. Otherwise, they remained villages or agglomerations of villagers who took refuge in their lord's castle. Riquewihr acquired this status in 1291 when it was surrounded by ramparts and an 82 ft (25 m) wide water ditch. A massive tower, baptized the Dolder (highest point), was added to the battlements to impress potential attackers.