The old part of the city, traversed by many canals, lies on the eastern side of the lake, and the newer part lies on the western side. During the 19th and 20th centuries Hamburg grew to its present size by incorporating the numerous communities around it. In 1842 much of the old city was destroyed by fire. After the destruction during World War II, Hamburg was again largely rebuilt. Hamburg's main economic asset is its port, which ranks among the largest and busiest in Europe.
Shipping is also the basis of the city's highly developed industries.
The city's international airport is one of the busiest in Germany. The best-known theater is the Hamburg State Opera. The world-famous Hagenbeck Zoo is also inside the city. In 845 and several times thereafter, however, it was plundered and burned by Danish and Slav invaders. In 1189, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I granted the city substantial privileges, including its own judiciary, exemption from tolls, and the right of fishery from the city to the mouth of the Elbe.