6 Best Sights in Dudelange, Esch-sur-Alzette and the Redlands

With over half of Luxembourg's population being foreign-born, immigration-related issues are central to the country's economic, political, and cultural structure. At the Centré de Documentation sur les Migrations Humaines these issues are explored through rotating exhibitions. In the heart of Dudelange's Little Italy neighborhood in an old railway station, this enlightening museum is considered one of the most important throughout the grand duchy.

Eglise St-Martin is considered the grand duchy's second most important church, after Notre-Dame in Luxembourg City. The intricate and masterful blue mosaics that grace the ceiling dome were created in the 1920s by the monk Notker Becker, and the dramatic representations of the Stations of the Cross were done by Dominique Lang, one of Luxembourg's most famous painters and a native of Dudelange.

Romans first set up a military camp at the base of what is now Mount St-Jean in AD 275. The site was later a stop during the First Crusade, and by the 12th century, the location of a monastery built for the Order of St. Jean of Jerusalem. The current castle ruins—which include the foundation, a small chapel, and a tower—date from the 1550s, and are cared for by the local historical society. Atop Mt. St-Jean, the commanding view goes deep into Luxembourg to the north and France to the south.

In a grand mansion once occupied by a wealthy steel baron, the Musée Municipal has two distinct missions. On the first level, exhibits focus on archaeological artifacts and historical objects such as fossils and weapons, some of which were excavated from Mt. St-Jean. The gallery upstairs shows contemporary art and has the country's only public art space specifically devoted to contemporary photography.

The 240-hectare Parc L'eh, which spans the French border, is a product of the area's enthusiasm for green, open spaces. Hiking trails crisscross the border through forests, meadows, and stands of wildflowers. If you're lucky you may spot some of Luxembourg's rare orchids, a testament to the landscape's rich mineral deposits. No matter the season, this is a delightful natural escape.

The Parc Merveilleux has rides, a petting zoo, a toy train, and miniature golf among its facilities. If you're traveling with kids, this is a great place to let them blow off some steam.