Germany's second largest city, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is one of the few cities in Germany that still retains its old-world charm inspite of being a hotbed for global activity and a base for many important German and World institutions. The chief port city of Germany, it is made of an elaborate network of waterways and lakes formed through the grand river Elbe flowing throughout the city to join the North Sea.
Hamburg was historically an international trade centre of Germany, and today acts as the same on a much more global scale, acting as a hub for corporates. As a result, this classic town has transformed into a modern urbanopolis, without losing its traditional feel. With shipping and trade It houses the world's largest warehouse complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Speicherstadt, a collection of 19th century buildings stacked on oak logs. It also holds one of the most important and busiest ports of Europe. The Kontorhausviertel is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hamburg, displaying earl 20th century architecture prevalent across Europe as well as giving us an insight into 20th century Hamburg and Germany. Art, especially European art, finds a special place amongst that which is dear to Hamburg, and the city is dotted with art galleries and museums devoted to the same, the most popular ones being Hamburger Kunsthalle and Deichtorhallen. The city's influence and value among the world of music is also worth a mention, as it is home to the iconic Elbphilharmonie, a pioneer of concert halls and acoustics across the globe. Majestic, still standing examples of classic European architecture can be found all around the city, seen in landmarks such as the St. Nikolai Memorial, the Hamburg Rathaus (city hall), St.Michael's church and the most interesting artefacts, the Altstadt or Old Town of the city.
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