Eiffel Tower

Tour Eiffel Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel in French) is a wrought-iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, it was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design but has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year.

History

The Eiffel Tower was designed as a temporary exhibit for the World's Fair of 1889, which was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Its construction was a marvel of engineering at the time, demonstrating France's industrial prowess to the world. Despite its intended temporary nature, the tower was not dismantled after the fair due to its usefulness as a radio telegraph station and has since become an enduring symbol of Paris.

Design and Construction

The tower stands 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, about the same height as an 81-story building. Its base is square, measuring 125 meters (410 feet) on each side. The tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930.

The design of the Eiffel Tower is attributed to Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two senior engineers working for the Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel. Gustave Eiffel bought the rights to the patent on the design. The tower's construction required 18,038 pieces of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets.

Cultural Significance

Initially met with skepticism, the Eiffel Tower quickly became a symbol of French creativity and engineering prowess. It has inspired countless artists, writers, and filmmakers and remains a potent symbol of Paris and France's romantic allure. The tower's unique structure has made it a popular subject of photographs and a prominent feature in the Parisian skyline.

Tourism

Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can ascend the tower via its elevators or, for those looking for a challenge, by climbing the stairs to the second level. The tower offers unparalleled views of Paris and houses several restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.

Maintenance and Renovations

To ensure its longevity, the Eiffel Tower undergoes regular maintenance, including the application of 60 tons of paint every seven years to protect it from rust. The color of the paint has changed several times and is currently a shade of bronze known as "Eiffel Tower Brown."

In Popular Culture

The Eiffel Tower has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and books, often symbolizing love, romance, and adventure. Its iconic status has made it a popular backdrop for romantic proposals and a must-see for tourists from around the globe.