The town of Blankenburg that is located in the district of Harz is dominated by the castle. Its construction began in the 12th century. Originally the property belonged to the dukes of Saxony, then the dukes of Brunswick. The town has been growing intensively since the Middle Ages, there are still many impressive half-timbered houses and valuable monuments representing the styles of different eras. Today Blankenburg is primarily a health resort hosting both tourists and patients.