- Arlon was a significant crossroads in Roman times, known as Orolaunum Vicus, positioned at the intersection of the Trier-Reims and Tongeren-Metz trade routes.
- The city claims to be the oldest city in Belgium, a title it shares in debate with Tongeren due to its ancient Roman foundations.
- During the Middle Ages, the city served as the center of the County of Arlon, which eventually provided a lineage that gave the Holy Roman Empire the House of Arlon-Limburg.
- Despite being in the Wallonia region, the city's historical dialect, Arlonais, is a form of Luxembourgish, reflecting its complex cross-border heritage.
About Arlon
Arlon is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, serving as the provincial capital of Luxembourg with roots extending back to the Gallo-Roman era. It is situated on a hill near the borders of France and Luxembourg, providing a unique cultural vantage point. The city is defined by its deep historical layers, evidenced by the extensive collections at the Musée Archéologique and the architectural prominence of Eglise Saint Martin. Visitors can explore the remnants of its fortified past, such as the Tour Romaine, or find tranquility at the Arboretum de Frassem. The city center integrates modern daily life with heritage sites like the Gaspar Museum, which highlights local artistic traditions.
Highlights of Arlon
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the towering neo-Gothic spire that defines the skyline of the city.
Museums
View one of the most important collections of Gallo-Roman funerary stones in Europe.
Historical places
Observe the surviving masonry of the ancient Roman defensive fortifications.
Museums
Explore regional art and historical artifacts housed in a traditional mansion.
Temples
Visit the site of a historic castle foundation offering views over the city plateau.
Parks
Walk through a diverse collection of tree species set in a managed forest environment.
Historical places
See the memorial dedicated to the Belgian king who led the country during the First World War.
Temples
Explore this site which serves as a testament to the long-standing Jewish community in the region.
Top things to do in Arlon
The 27 highest-rated places in Arlon, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
Eglise Saint-Martin is a prominent Neo-Gothic Catholic church in Arlon, designed by architect Van Assche and completed i...
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Venues
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Parks
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Museums
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Parks
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Arlon on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Arlon
Late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild enough for walking the hilly streets and visiting the Arboretum de Frassem.
1-2 days, sufficient to cover the main historical museums and central religious sites at a steady pace.
The city center is highly walkable, though hilly; local and regional bus services connect the station to surrounding areas.
The area surrounding the Place Léopold and the historic upper town provides the best access to museums and dining.
Mid-range; typical for a Belgian provincial administrative center.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 27 curated attractions in and around Arlon, ranked by traveller ratings.
Eglise Saint Martin is the highest-rated place to visit in Arlon right now.
The largest category is temples, with 10 places to explore.
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.
Explore more of Belgium
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
