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The inhabitants of
Hamburg are very proud of having a lake such as the one they enjoy
in the very heart of the city center. It is to be found just a few
short steps from the Opera, the Great Hall of Art, the City Hall, as
well the Chamber of Commerce. The splendid Town-Hall which is built
in the North German neo-Renaissance style attracts many visitors
every year. Designed by seven architects under the guidance of
Martin Haller in 1897, this building's opening was accompanied by
numerous celebrations. It is a symbol of the city's autonomy and
wealth and all citizens are proud of it. Its north fagade, which is
111 meters long is dominated by a huge tower and decorated by bronze
statues of numerous German Kaisers. If the harbour is Hamburg's
heart, then the Alster is its soul. Damned in the 13th century, it
today gives the city a special kind of atmosphere and is an integral
part of the panorama. Which other metropolis can boast a lake in its
midst. The Outer Alster is a basin that stretches over 160 hectares
and has an average depth of 2.5m. Parks and other greens, which are
filled with a number of statues, flank it. In the summer, the Outer
Alster is a popular place for sailing and rowing. |