In 1291, Count Burckhardt II of Horbourg had a fortification and a moat erected around Riquewihr. The enclosure is configured in a quasi-rectangular plan, approximately 656 by 984 ft (200 by 300 m). It is oriented east-west, from the plain to the mountain, according to the direction of the slope. The enclosure was surrounded by a water ditch, around 50 ft wide on average (15 m). It collected water from a stream still present in 1833. The enclosure was part of a decision of the high nobility to fortify at least ten towns between 1260 and 1375.