Canton: Aargau (AG) Altitude: 388m/1,273ft
Aarau, capital of the canton of Aargau since 1803, lies on the River Aare under the southern slopes of the Jura. With Late Gothic houses dating from the period of Kyburg rule, their street fronts colorfully remodeled in Baroque style, it is known as the "town of gables and gardens"
In addition to its role as an administrative and cultural center it also has a variety of industry (manufacture of instruments, iron and steel works, optical industry, bell-casting).
Founded about 1240 by the Counts of Kyburg, Aarau soon passed into the hands of the Habsburgs. In 1415 it came under Bernese rule, and in 1798 became for six months capital of the Helvetian Republic. In the 18th century the Swiss national gymnastic, shooting and singing associations were founded or held their first meetings in Aarau.
Cultural opportunities are available in Aarau through a visit to the theater and concert hall, the nature museum and the alternative culture center KIFF. On Saturday mornings the Graben is the site of a vegetable market.
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