# Aiud

- **Country:** Romania
- **Coordinates:** 46.310278, 23.716667
- **Location Text:** Bethlen Castle

Aiud is a historic municipality located in Alba County within the Transylvania region of Romania. Situated at an elevation of 258 meters, the city serves as an administrative hub comprising the urban center and ten surrounding villages, including Aiudul de Sus and Gâmbaș. The settlement traces its origins to the dedication of its first church to Saint Giles, from whom the city ultimately derives its name. Historically known by various names such as Nagyenyed in Hungarian and Brucla in Latin, Aiud reflects the rich multicultural heritage of Transylvania. As of the 2021 census, the city had a population of approximately 21,307 residents, with a demographic composition predominantly consisting of Romanians and a significant Hungarian minority.

The site is notably associated with Cetatea Aiudului, or Aiud Castle, which stands as a testament to the area's strategic importance through the centuries. While specific construction dates for the original fortress are often linked to medieval defensive needs in the region, the structure has undergone various transformations reflecting the architectural styles of different ruling periods. The castle and the city played crucial roles during times of conflict and political change in Transylvania. Today, the ruins and remaining structures serve as important historical landmarks, drawing interest from those studying the region's feudal past and architectural evolution.

Currently, Aiud functions as a vibrant local center with a mayor leading its administration for the 2024 to 2028 term. The city maintains its status as a municipiu, indicating its economic and social significance within Alba County. Although the castle may exist today largely as a historical site or ruin, it remains a defining feature of the local skyline and identity. The area continues to preserve its diverse cultural legacy, evident in its bilingual history and the coexistence of different ethnic groups. Visitors and researchers alike value Aiud for its deep historical roots and its enduring presence as a key locality in Romanian Transylvania.

![Photo of Aiud](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Cetatea_Aiudului.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiud (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)