Târnova, Arad

Târnova (Hungarian: Tornova) is a commune in Arad County, Romania, is situated in the contact zone of the Cigherului Hills and Zărandului Mountains, it occupies approximately 207.44 km² (80.09 sq mi). The commune is composed of six villages: Agrișu Mare (Almásegres), Arăneag (Székesaranyág), Chier (Kurtakér), Drauț (Doroszlófalva), Dud (Dúd), and Târnova (situated at 44 km from Arad).

Târnova
Commune
Drauț
Coat of arms
Location in Arad County
Târnova Location in Romania
Coordinates: 46.3167°N 21.8°E / 46.3167; 21.8
Country	Romania
County	Arad
Government
• Mayor (2024–2028)	Emilia Ignișca (PSD)
Area	207.44 km2 (80.09 sq mi)
Elevation	122 m (400 ft)
Population  (2021-12-01)[1]	5,625
• Density	27/km2 (70/sq mi)
Time zone	EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3)
Postal code	317360
Area code	(+40) 0257
Vehicle reg.	AR
Website	e-comune.ro/primaria-tarnova-ar

Population

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1880	10,151	—
1910	13,458	+32.6%
1930	11,491	−14.6%
1977	7,748	−32.6%
1992	6,144	−20.7%
2002	6,240	+1.6%
2011	5,935	−4.9%
2021	5,625	−5.2%
Source: Census data

According to 2002 census, the commune had 6,240 inhabitants; 86% were Romanians, 10.7% Ukrainians, 2.2% Roma, 0.6% Hungarians, and 0.5% of other or undeclared nationalities. At the 2021 census, Târnova had a population of 5,625; of those, 75.98% were Romanians, 8.55% Ukrainians, and 2.12% Roma.^[2]

History

The first documentary record of the locality Târnova dates back to 1406, Agrișu Mare was first mentioned in 1214, Arăneag in 1390, Chier in 1325, Drauț in 1406, and Dud in 1169.

Natives

• Cornelia Bodea [ro] (1916–2010), historian, titular member of the Romanian Academy
• Florian Coldea [ro] (born 1971), general, interim director of the Romanian Intelligence Service (2006, 2015)

Economy

The commune's economy is prevalently agrarian, Târnova being a well-known fructiferous area. Small industry and the tertiary sector are also well-developed.

Tourism

The Agrișu Mare Castle dating from the 15th century, situated on the Cioaca Hill is the main touristic attraction of the commune. Chier is known for its pieces of embroidery.