Hamburg's City Hall, where the parliament, senate, and mayor all convene, stands proudly on Rathausmarkt. It's quite convenient, but it wasn't always this iconic. The current City Hall is actually the sixth edition in Hamburg's history, emerging after several relocations, fires, and other upheavals. The construction kicked off in 1886, and it was no small feat. Workers drilled 4,000 wooden poles into the muddy banks of Alster Lake to support the building's massive structure: 133 meters wide, 70 meters deep, and 112 meters tall. They took special care to create a passageway linking the new building to both the Chamber of Commerce and the Hamburg Stock Exchange. The courtyard between these buildings is like a little slice of Italy with its piazza vibe and even has the Hygieia fountain. This fountain, named after the Greek goddess of health, was built in memory of the cholera epidemic that hit the city in 1892. After 11 years of hard work, the City Hall, with its impressive 647 rooms, opened in 1897. The best part? You don’t need to be a German politician to step inside this eclectic, neo-renaissance masterpiece. Hamburg's City Hall welcomes the public with open arms. You can join a guided tour or check out the exhibitions inside. Plus, if you find yourself visiting during the winter months, don't miss the magical Christmas market right outside. It's a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, delicious treats, and unique gifts to explore.