Aleșd

Aleşd (Romanian pronunciation: [aˈleʃd]; Hungarian: Élesd) is a town in Bihor County, western Romania. It is located in the east of the county, near the border with Cluj County.

Geography

Aleşd is located on the main railway line between Oradea and Bucharest. Consequently, it is served by frequent rapid and intercity (IC) trains from Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Arad and Timişoara.

History

After break-up of Austria-Hungary in 1918/1920, the town became part of Romania. As a result of the Second Vienna Award, it has been returned to Hungary between 1940 and 1945.

Population

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1977	9,608	—
1992	10,920	+13.7%
2002	10,852	−0.6%
2011	9,619	−11.4%
Source: Census data

Aleşd has a population of 9,619 (2011 census), made up of Romanians (63.9%), Hungarians (16.04%), Roma (12.73%), Slovaks (6.59%), and others (0.42%). It administers three villages: Pădurea Neagră (Feketeerdő), Peştiş (Sólyomkőpestes) and Tinăud (Tinód).

Notable residents

Miklós Radnóti served his labor draft during World War II in Aleșd.

Gallery

• Alesd - reformed church.jpg

  Reformed church

• Élesd - Ortodox templom.JPG

  Orthodox church

• Alesd - Roman-Catholic Church.jpg

  Roman Catholic church

• Élesd - Görög katolikus templom.JPG

  Greek Catholic church

• Alesd - Baptist prayer hall.JPG

  Baptist prayer hall

• Alesd - The old Erzsebet Hotel.jpg

  The old Erzsebet Hotel

• Alesd - Létai-house.jpg

  Létai-house.jpg

• Élesd - Vasútállomás.jpg

  Train station