Eiffel Tower in Paris (France) - 300 meter building from steel

The Eiffel Tower, undoubtedly one of the most recognizable symbols of Paris, is also an icon of engineering and architecture. Built for the World's Fair of 1889 which was to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, the tower was intended to serve as the entrance gate to the exhibition grounds. Over the years, it has gained the nickname "magician of iron" ("Miracle of steel") and has become one of the most visited monuments in the world. What are the most important facts and curiosities related to this masterpiece? Let's dive into the fascinating history of the Eiffel Tower.

Construction and construction

The Eiffel Tower, named after its builder, the French engineer Alexander Gustave Eiffel, was completed in 1889. This engineering feat, which required over 18,000 components held together with over 2.5 million rivets, weighs approximately 10,500 tons. The construction process, supervised by a team of 250 men, took just two years, which was considered phenomenal at the time.

It was originally planned that the tower would be demolished 20 years after the end of the exhibition. However, the needs of the metrology and aerodynamics laboratory meant that the tower was preserved. It also became an ideal place for scientific research, and its design made it possible to place many measuring devices on it.

Architecture and dimensions

The Eiffel Tower consists of three levels, accessible by both stairs and elevators. There is a restaurant on the first floor that offers amazing views of the city. On the second level, at an altitude of 116 meters, the famous magazine "Le Figaro" had its office. The third level, accessed by elevators and stairs, is a small platform at the top of the tower.

From the ground itself, there are 347 steps leading to the first level, 674 steps to the second level, and as many as 1,710 steps to the top of the tower. This structure maintained the status of the tallest building in the world for many years, until 1929, when the Chrysler office building was erected in New York. Despite this, the Eiffel Tower still impresses with its impressive dimensions and excellent engineering.

The height of the tower is 324 meters, which makes it twice as high as the Washington Monument, and it weighs as much as 70,000 tons less. Interestingly, the tower is repainted every seven years, and about 50 tons of dark brown paint are used to cover it, which is necessary for its preservation and protection against corrosion.

Curiosities and meaning

Since the opening of the Eiffel Tower to this day, over 167 million people have visited it. Every year, the building attracts approximately 3 million tourists from around the world, making it one of the most visited monuments in the world. What makes it so special?

One of the most fascinating features of the Eiffel Tower is the ability to see areas as far as 42 miles (approximately 67.6 km) in each direction on a clear and cloudless day. It's an experience that's hard to compare with anything else - standing on the top, you feel like you're on top of the world.

The tower is also a symbol of science and technology. The names of 72 French scientists and famous people are placed around the building, 18 names on each side. In this way, we pay tribute to those who contributed to the development of science and technology, and also remind us of the intellectual heritage of France.

Not everyone knows that the Eiffel Tower had its opponents already at the construction stage. Many Parisians believed that the construction would disfigure the city's skyline. The critics included famous artists and intellectuals of the time, including the writer Guy de Maupassant, who is said to have dined in the tower restaurant because it was the only place in Paris where he did not have to look at it.

An interesting fact is that the Eiffel Tower played an important role in the development of radio technologies. In 1910, it was used as an antenna to broadcast the first radio broadcasts, which finally convinced the Paris authorities not to dismantle the structure. Thanks to the tower, it was possible to detect enemy radio signals during World War I, which helped win several key battles.

The Eiffel Tower also has a doppelganger in distant Japan. Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, was designed after the Eiffel Tower and is 13 meters higher. Although Tokyo Tower serves mainly as a television and radio antenna, its similarity to the original is unmistakable.

At night, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated by 20,000 light bulbs, which makes it glow in a unique way. Every day, on the hour, the tower lights up with a special, flickering light, which is an unforgettable sight for both residents and tourists. This unique lighting gives the tower a completely new, magical character after dark.

During his historii, the Eiffel Tower was also the site of many unusual events. In 1912, inventor Franz Reichelt died while trying to test his invention, the parachute cloak, by jumping from the first floor of a tower. Unfortunately, his attempt ended tragically, but it shows how the Eiffel Tower has witnessed both triumphs and dramas.

Another interesting fact is that in 1984, two daredevils, Philippe Petit and Henryk Samson, walked on a rope stretched between the two Eiffel Towers. Their spectacular feat attracted crowds and immortalized the tower as a place of spectacular and risky undertakings.

Movies and commercials

In the winter of 1925, a Citroën car was used to install a neon advertisement on the Eiffel Tower, making it the world's largest advertising billboard. The advertisement was visible from many kilometers away and was a unique demonstration of the technological possibilities of that period.

The Eiffel Tower is also an inspiration for many artists and filmmakers. She has appeared in countless films, from classics such as "Half Joke, Half Seriously" to modern productions such as "Paris 13th Arrondissement". Its characteristic silhouette has become a symbol of love, romance and mystery, which makes it an inseparable element of popular culture.

The films in which she played a significant role include:

Half jokingly, half seriously (1957). One of the most famous scenes of this classic film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gary Cooper takes place at the Eiffel Tower. This film not only immortalized the romantic atmosphere of the Tower, but also became an inspiration for subsequent productions.

Paris, I love you (2006). This collection of short films that tell the story of love for Paris would not be complete without the iconic Eiffel Tower. Each of the stories, although different, is connected in a specific way with the presence of the Tower, which emphasizes its importance as a symbol of love and romance.

The Untouchables (2011). In this film, which is an adaptation of the French hit "Intouchables", the Eiffel Tower appears as a background for important scenes telling the story of an extraordinary friendship between two men. Her presence adds depth and French charm to the whole story.

Paris 13th arrondissement (2004). This film, which is about life in a multicultural district of Paris, often shows the Eiffel Tower as a symbol that unites different cultures and nationalities. She witnesses the everyday life of the inhabitants of the city of lights.

Love in the City (2008). Another video that shows the Eiffel Tower as a romantic backdrop for a love story. The presence of the Tower in the background highlights the magic of the city and its ability to inspire love.

Wonder Boys (1992). This film, based on a true story, shows a scene in which the main characters visit the Eiffel Tower, which symbolizes their dreams and hopes.

Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002). The Eiffel Tower makes a humorous appearance in this adventure comedy, emphasizing its significant role as a symbol of French culture and history.

Why is it worth visiting the Eiffel Tower?

Paris is a city full of monuments, but the Eiffel Tower definitely stands out from the rest. Why is it worth visiting? First of all, it is a unique opportunity to see the icon of world architecture with your own eyes. Secondly, the views from its top are absolutely breathtaking. Regardless of the season, the panoramas from the Eiffel Tower are always stunning.

Besides, visiting the Eiffel Tower is not only about admiring the views. On the first floor there is a restaurant that offers not only delicious food, but also an unforgettable culinary experience in a unique environment. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a family lunch with a view of Paris.

Summary

The Eiffel Tower is not only a symbol of Paris, but also of all of France. Its history, architecture and cultural significance make it one of the most important monuments in the world. Since its creation, it has attracted millions of tourists, delighting them with its extraordinary structure and wonderful views. Regardless of whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply want to experience unforgettable moments, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must-see on every traveler's map.