Riquewihr was first mentioned in 1094. In 1291, it was fortified by Lord Burckard, Count of Horbourg, and became a town. Two doors with a drawbridge and harrows guarded its entrance. The Dolder (the highest) is surmounted by an 82 ft tower (25 m) on four floors. It is the tallest building in the city, hence its name. In the event of danger, its passage could be closed by two leaves and a harrow. Its height helped to monitor the surroundings of the city. A guard lived there permanently and sounded the alarm when necessary.