Blieskastel

Blieskastel, on the Blies river in the Saarpfalz district, is known for its well-preserved baroque old town — the ensemble largely dates to the residency of Counts Franz Carl and Marianne von der Leyen from 1773 to 1793, who commissioned the Schlosskirche (castle church, consecrated 1778) and much of the surviving townscape. The historic core contains over 130 individually protected monuments, including the Paradeplatz square, the town hall, the Hercules and Napoleon fountains, and the former court council houses. The town lies on the Saar-Palatinate Baroque Route, a regional tourist trail linking baroque architecture across the area.

Blieskastel is accessible by car via regional roads. The nearest airports with commercial service are within a few hours' drive. Train service may be available to nearby towns, with local buses or taxis completing the journey.

The baroque old town is small enough to see on foot. Local buses connect the surrounding villages to the centre.

The baroque old town is the main attraction: the Schlosskirche, the Paradeplatz, the town hall, the Hercules and Napoleon fountains, the orangery, and the former Franciscan monastery church are all within the historic centre.

The old town is compact enough to explore on foot, and the surrounding Bliesgau biosphere reserve countryside offers hiking and cycling routes along the Blies valley.

• Berlin — Germany's capital city, reachable by regional train
• Nearby towns in Saarland — explore the surrounding region