The Eiffel Tower, or La Tour Eiffel as the French call it, is an iconic iron lattice structure located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
"The world’s most visited paid monument, standing at a whopping 324 meters (1,063 feet), the Eiffel Tower was once the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930."
History and Construction
Construction began in January 1887 and was completed in March 1889, just in time for the World’s Fair. The project required about 18,038 individual iron parts and 2.5 million rivets. It took a team of 300 workers to assemble the parts, and despite the lack of modern safety equipment, there were surprisingly few accidents.
Trivia and Hidden Facts
Color Chameleon: Originally, the Eiffel Tower wasn’t the brownish color you see today. It has been repainted approximately 19 times and has sported colors like red-brown, yellow-ochre, and chestnut brown. Today, it is coated in a specially mixed shade known as "Eiffel Tower Brown."
Temporary Fame?: The tower was initially intended to be dismantled after 20 years. However, it was saved due to its usefulness as a giant radio antenna. Gustave Eiffel himself funded scientific experiments using the tower, including wind resistance and radio transmissions.
A Space for Science: Gustave Eiffel used the top of the tower for various scientific experiments including meteorology and physics. In fact, Thomas Edison visited the tower and gifted Eiffel one of his phonographs.
Secret Apartment: Gustave Eiffel had a small, secret apartment at the top of the tower where he entertained illustrious guests like Thomas Edison. This apartment is now open for public viewing.
Engineering Marvel
Wind and Weather: The Eiffel Tower is a marvel of engineering, designed to withstand the wind. It can sway up to 6-7 centimeters (2-3 inches) and expand up to 18 centimeters (7 inches) in the heat.
Light Show: The tower sparkles every night for 5 minutes on the hour, thanks to 20,000 light bulbs. This dazzling display was introduced during the Millennium celebrations in 2000 and has since become a nightly tradition.
Cultural Impact
A Global Star: The Eiffel Tower has made star appearances in various movies and literature. It's featured in films like "Midnight in Paris" and "The Da Vinci Code", and in numerous books.
Protests and Proposals: Over the years, the tower has been the site of many protests, daredevil stunts, and more than a few romantic proposals. It’s estimated that nearly 7 million people visit the tower annually.
Not Always Loved: When it was first built, many Parisians and artists criticized it. Guy de Maupassant, a famous French writer, supposedly had lunch at the tower’s restaurant daily because it was the one place in Paris where he could avoid seeing the structure!
Fun Facts
A Tower of Love: The Eiffel Tower has been the backdrop for countless marriage proposals. An average of 2 proposals happen per day at this iconic spot.
The Tower’s Doppelgängers: There are over 30 replicas around the world, including in places like Las Vegas, Tokyo, and even a half-size replica in Tiësto’s hometown in the Netherlands.
An Architectural Feat: The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world for 41 years until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.
Dimensions and Components
High and Mighty: The tower is divided into three levels accessible to the public. The first level is 57 meters (187 feet) above the ground, the second level is 115 meters (377 feet), and the third level, the top observation deck, is 276 meters (906 feet).
Weight Watcher: Despite its immense size, the tower is relatively light. It weighs about 10,100 tonnes, much less than you might expect for a structure of its size.
Gastronomic Delight
- Dining with a View: The Eiffel Tower houses two restaurants: Le 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor and Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor, offering gourmet meals with spectacular views.
Maintenance
- Ongoing Care: Keeping the Eiffel Tower in top shape is no small feat. The tower is repainted every seven years, requiring about 60 tonnes of paint. It also undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its longevity and safety.
To sum it up, the Eiffel Tower isn’t just an architectural wonder; it’s a cultural icon packed with history, scientific significance, and a dash of romance!