Aleșd

Aleşd (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
Aleşd has a population of 10,415 (2002 census), made up of Romanians (65.17%), Hungarians (19.07%), Roma (9.15%), Slovaks (6.19%), and others (0.42%). It administers three villages: Pădurea Neagră, Peştiş and Tinăud.

Notable residents
During World War II here served his labor draft Miklós Radnóti.