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What is the Eiffel Tower? |
Buildings & Structures
The Eiffel Tower is a famous monument in Paris, France. It was built between 1887 and 1889 and designed by a man named Gustav Eiffel to be the entrance of the 1889 World’s Fair (which was also the 100 year anniversary of the birthday of France). Over 700 proposals were considered before Mr. Eiffel’s was ultimately chosen.
Today, the Tower is the most-visited monument in the world, with over 200 million people visiting since its opening in 1889.…but that didn’t stop many notable writers, scientists, and artists from protesting its construction! It was originally considered quite the eyesore to the French people, who considered its unique architecture ugly and unnecessary. Throughout the years, the Tower came to represent France and, to this day, it is used to convey anything Parisian.
The Eiffel Tower wasn't supposed to be a permanent landmark - the building permit was only for twenty years, after which ownership would return to the city of Paris and it would most likely be destroyed. (In fact, part of the requirements that came with the building plan was that it had to be easy to disassemble!) However, the Tower was so useful as a radio transmitter, particularly during World War I, that it was allowed to remain standing.
Here are some more fun facts about this triumphant tower!
- Though the tower was completed and inaugurated on March 31, 1889, it wasn't open to the public until May 6 later that year.
- It is 1,063 feet (324 meters) high, which is the equivalent of a 81-story building, and is the tallest building in Paris. Until the Chrysler Building was erected in 1930, it was also the tallest building in the world!
- Every seven years, over 50 tons of paint is applied to the Tower to help prevent rust and further damage.
- There are three levels to the Tower accessible by the public, two of which house exclusive restaurants!
- There are 1,625 steps to the top.
- Mr. Eiffel engraved the tower with 72 names of scientists and engineers who he felt contributed to the building of the Tower. The names were painted over throughout the centuries, but were fully restored in 1986.
