Aarau

Aarau is the capital of the canton of Aargau in northern Switzerland. It lies on the Aare river and sits between the Swiss plateau and the Jura foothills, roughly midway between Basel and Zurich. The city is known for its well-preserved historic center, which features sandstone buildings, narrow medieval streets, and a central market square. A prominent landmark in the old town is the Rathaus (Town Hall).

Historically, Aarau developed as a medieval market town and later grew through industrialization in the 19th and early 20th centuries, while preserving its historic core. In 1803, it became the capital of the newly formed canton of Aargau during the restructuring of Switzerland under the Mediation Act.

Cultural and educational institutions in Aarau include the Aargauische Kunsthaus, the cantonal art museum, and Naturama Aargau, a natural history museum. The city also hosts the cantonal library and serves as an administrative and cultural center for the region. It is home to FC Aarau, a long-standing Swiss football club.

Transport and economy: Aarau serves as a regional administrative and service hub. It is connected by a major rail corridor linking Basel and Zurich, with regular services to Basel, Zurich, and other Swiss cities. The city is accessible by the Swiss motorway network and is integrated into local public transit systems.

Demographics and language: The population is primarily German-speaking, with residents from diverse backgrounds contributing to a multicultural community. The city supports a range of educational institutions, from primary schools to facilities tied to the cantonal university system.