Aarau
| | |
|---|---|
| Canton | Aargau |
| District | Aarau (district) |
| Coordinates | 47°24′ N 8°03′ E |
| Postal code | 5000 |
| Population | 15600 (2004) |
| Area | 8.94 km² |
| Elevation | 381 m |
| Mayor | Marcel Guignard (2004 FDP) |
| Website | www.aarau.ch |
Aarau is the capital of the Swiss canton of Aargau. It is predominantly German-speaking and Protestant. Aarau is situated in the valley of the Aar, on the river's right bank, and at the southern foot of the Jura mountains.
An ancient fortress, Aarau was taken by the Bernese in 1415, and in 1798 became for a time the capital of the Helvetic Republic.