Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany, its most important sea port and its largest foreign trading centre. Founded in about 811 during the reign of Charlemagne, Hamburg was one of the great Hanseatic cities and has maintained its prominence down the centuries until the present day as a meeting place for the world. This city on the Elbe river also has an elegant side, with palatial department stores along its boulevards, art centres, international musicals, exclusive shopping arcades and the famous St. Pauli entertainment district.