The Eiffel Tower opened in March of 1889. Designed by bridge builder Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the open-lattice wrought-iron tower is 984 feet tall and at the time of its opening it was the world’s tallest man-made structure.
Here’s 12 things you might not know about the tower:
• Built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution
• Was built in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days
• Eiffel often receives full credit for the monument but his employee, Maurice Koechlin, a structural engineer came up with the design
• Served as the entrance gateway for the Paris International Exposition
• The Otis Elevator Company designed the glass-cage elevators that ascend the tower’s piers on a curve
• Remained the world’s tallest man-made structure until 1930 when the 1,046 feet tall Chrysler Building was completed in New York
• Was almost demolished when the land lease expired in 1909, but its value as an antenna for radio transmission saved it
• Every seven years, painters apply 60 tons of paint to the tower
• The base pillars of the tower are oriented with the four points of the compass.
• It is one of the world’s premier tourist attractions and is France’s symbol in the world, and the showcase of Paris
• It welcomes nearly 7 million visitors per year, about 75% of them are foreigners, and has had nearly 250 million visitors from all over the world since it opened
• Approximately 500 employees are responsible for its daily operations
If you’ve never had the chance to see it – it is a must see! I can verify that going to the top of the tower is an awesome experience! I did not get dizzy nor did I feel claustrophobic! The see thru elevators to the top offer great views on your way up! And, once you get to the top viewing area, what a view!!
If you haven’t seen it in person, take the 360 tour here.
I enjoyed creating the altered art photo of the tower. Do you like any of them? I think I like number 4 the best.
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