During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, “court communities” were built in fortified cities like Riquewihr. They were groups of several houses around a common courtyard, accessible by a porch. This system saved space inside the city walls. Following this tradition, Riquewihr is home to the former court of the bishops of Strasbourg, built in 1550. It also contains the court of the Nobles, formerly Berkheim, the storks', and the Abbey of Autrey's, dating from 1510.