History of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, soaring above Paris, was constructed in 1889 as the centerpiece of the Universal Exposition, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, it initially sparked controversy, with many Parisians deeming it unsightly and calling for its demolition.

Over time, however, the tower became an enduring symbol of Paris and France. Standing at 324 meters, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time of its completion. Over 10,000 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets were used in its construction.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is not only a tourist attraction but also a cultural icon. Millions visit each year to enjoy panoramic views of Paris from its observation decks or dine at its elevated restaurants.

The tower also plays a significant role in popular culture, appearing in films, books, and artwork. Its nighttime illumination, introduced in 1985, adds to its enchanting presence.

Unique Facts About the Eiffel Tower

Secret Apartment at the Top

Gustave Eiffel built a private apartment for himself at the tower's summit, which he used for entertaining guests and conducting experiments. This hidden room, now open to the public, contains original furniture and wax figures of Eiffel and Thomas Edison.

Weather-Driven Height Changes

The Eiffel Tower's iron structure expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing it to "grow" by up to 15 centimeters in hot weather and shrink in cold conditions, a phenomenon rarely noticed by visitors.

Lightning Rod Role

The tower's spire acts as a lightning rod, protecting Paris from strikes. It is hit by lightning several times a year, and Gustave Eiffel himself studied these strikes to advance meteorological science.

Artistic Color Evolution

The tower has been painted in various shades over its history, from reddish-brown to yellow-ochre, before settling on the custom "Eiffel Tower Brown" used today. It requires 60 tons of paint every seven years to maintain its look.

Did You Know?

In 1925, conman Victor Lustig posed as a government official and "sold" the Eiffel Tower for scrap metal to a businessman, convincing him it was due for demolition. Remarkably, he pulled off the scam twice before fleeing the country.

During World War II, the Eiffel Tower's radio transmitter was used by the French Resistance to send coded messages to Allied forces. The Nazis also used it, but the Resistance cleverly disrupted their signals.

In 1987, New Zealander A.J. Hackett performed one of the first bungee jumps from the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, setting a precedent for extreme sports and later founding a global bungee jumping company.

In 1912, inventor Franz Reichelt attempted to demonstrate a wearable parachute by jumping from the Eiffel Tower. Tragically, the experiment failed, but it marked an early chapter in aviation safety experiments.

Eiffel Tower: Symbol of Paris