What Is The Height of The Eiffel Tower – 15 Interesting Facts You May Not Know
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The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous structures in the world. It stands at the heart of Paris. Millions of tourists visit it every year. Many people know that it was built for the 1889 World’s Fair. But did you know that its height changes? Or that it could have appeared not in France, but in Spain? This article will tell you 15 interesting facts about the “Iron Lady” that will surprise you!
Who Founded the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower was founded by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, after whom it was named. However, the original design was not his own—it was created by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier from his company, Eiffel & Cie. Their goal was to build a unique iron structure for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Initially, the project faced heavy criticism from the public and many architects, who saw it as an eyesore. But Eiffel successfully defended its importance, emphasizing its engineering brilliance and scientific potential.
Construction began in 1887 and took two years to complete, with Eiffel himself ceremoniously climbing to the top at its inauguration. The tower was initially meant to be dismantled after 20 years, but it was saved due to its value for radio communications. Over time, it became a defining symbol of France and one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.
Today, the Eiffel Tower is more than just a tourist attraction—it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.
15 Interesting Facts About The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a true source of interesting stories. Many people know its height and year of opening, but do you really know everything about it? Here are 15 facts that may surprise you:
- The official height of the Eiffel Tower is 330 meters. But it’s not always the same! In the heat, the metal expands, and the structure can “grow” by 15 centimeters. In winter, it shrinks. At the top, there is an antenna that adds height to the tower. Without it, the tower would have been shorter – 312 meters.
- The Eiffel Tower was specifically built for the 1889 World’s Fair. No one thought it would become the future gem of Paris. It was planned to be dismantled after 20 years. However, it was saved thanks to… science! Eiffel convinced the authorities that the structure could be useful for radio communication. And indeed, it helped intercept enemy messages during World War I.
- To keep the Eiffel Tower in good condition, it is painted every 7 years. About 60 tons of paint are used for this! The structure has three shades of brown. The lower part is darker, and the upper part is lighter. This creates the illusion that the entire construction is “light” and delicate.
- At the very top of the Eiffel Tower, there is a small room. Gustave Eiffel used it as his personal office. Only his guests could enter. Today, the room is open to tourists. Inside, there are wax figures of Eiffel and Thomas Edison – they once met here.
- The Eiffel Tower is visited by over 6 million people every year! This makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Since its opening, more than 300 million visitors have climbed it.
- Many artists were shocked by the appearance of the Eiffel Tower. They called it the “iron monster.” There were even letters of protest against the structure. French writer Guy de Maupassant hated it. At the same time, he often dined at the restaurant on the first level. He explained it simply: “It is the only place in Paris where you cannot see it.”
- The Eiffel Tower was built from 18,038 metal parts. All of this is held together by 2.5 million rivets! The total weight of the structure is 10,100 tons. But despite this, the design looks light thanks to its airy structure.
- The Eiffel Tower can tilt up to 7 centimeters during a strong storm. Its height makes it sensitive to wind. Also, it “floats” a little in the sun. One side heats up more, and the structure deviates a few centimeters.
- During World War I, the Eiffel Tower was used as a radio station. This helped the French intercept German messages and save Paris. In 1944, when the Germans were retreating, Hitler ordered the destruction of the structure. But the commander of Paris, General von Choltitz, did not follow the order.
- Initially, Gustave Eiffel proposed his project to Barcelona. But the local authorities thought the structure would be ugly and would not fit into the city. So, Eiffel submitted the idea to Paris. And now it is the French capital that has this world-famous symbol.
- Iron Lady – this unofficial but very popular title for the Eiffel Tower. It is made entirely of metal and has graceful forms. It is also a reference to the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was also called “The Iron Lady.”
- The Eiffel Tower has several elevators that take tourists to different levels. Their maximum speed is 2 meters per second. But initially, in 1889, the elevators operated on hydraulics. The ascent took much longer.
- Every evening, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated with 20,000 light bulbs. This creates an incredible effect! But note: nighttime photos of the landmark with lighting are protected by copyright! What does this mean? They cannot be published for commercial purposes without permission.
- The Eiffel Tower may seem huge! But it weighs less than it seems. Its total weight is 10,100 tons. This is approximately the same weight as 5,000 cars.
- You can climb the Eiffel Tower on foot. There are 1,665 steps. Tourists can walk up to the first and second levels. But there are no stairs to the top – you can only reach it by elevator. The fastest ascent record was set by athlete Pierre Cohen – he climbed them in 8 minutes and 51 seconds!
Interesting Facts About The Eiffel Tower – Video
Want to learn more fun facts about the Eiffel Tower? Watch the video:
Read also: Amsterdam – A Guide to the City That Never Sleeps
Conclusion
The Eiffel Tower is a mega-popular tourist destination. More than 6 million tourists visit it annually. It is second only to the Great Wall of China in terms of visitors. Today, it is more than just an architectural structure. It symbolizes Paris just as Big Ben symbolizes London or the Colosseum symbolizes Rome.
It is hard for modern people to imagine it could have been demolished. Without it, Paris would be completely different. This is the place where lovers propose. Here, tourists admire the views. Here, history comes to life in every meter of the metal structure. It is a true engineering marvel. It has survived the hatred of critics, wars, and reconstructions. No matter what happens, it remains the main symbol of France.
Haven’t been to Paris yet? Be sure to plan your trip! Climbing to the top and seeing the city from a height of 330 meters is a moment that will stay with you for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t you take photos of the Eiffel Tower?
During the day, you can take photos of the Eiffel Tower without restrictions. But its nighttime lighting is copyrighted. Using such photos for commercial purposes is prohibited. You can take photos for personal use.
How much does it cost to climb the Eiffel Tower?
The cost of climbing the Eiffel Tower depends on the level and the way you ascend. The elevator to the top level costs around 30 euros. Walking up is cheaper – about 12 euros. There are discounts for children and young people.
What did Eiffel build?
The most famous structure by the architect is the Eiffel Tower. He also designed many bridges and iron structures. He is known worldwide and worked in different parts of the world. His works used the advanced technologies of the time.
