Rising high above the skyline of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. With its iron frame and sparkling lights, it’s hard to imagine Paris without it.
But the history of Eiffel Tower is more fascinating than you might think. It was once criticized, almost torn down, and later became a global symbol of France. In this guide, we’ll reveal the real story behind this iconic structure, answer common questions, and share fun facts about the Eiffel Tower that will make your visit even more exciting!
A quick description of the Eiffel Tower
If you’re seeing it for the first time, here’s a simple description of the Eiffel Tower: it’s a giant iron lattice tower with four curved legs that rise and meet at the top. It has three public levels where visitors can walk, dine, and enjoy stunning city views. And today, around 7 million people visit it each year.
Klook Tip: Did you know you can actually go up the Eiffel Tower? Secure your spot with the Eiffel Tower elevator tour and see the city from above at the Iron Lady!
Why was the Eiffel Tower built?
You can see Paris from above at the Eiffel Tower!
To understand the history of Eiffel Tower, we need to go back to 1889. The tower was built as the main entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair, which celebrated 100 years since the French Revolution. Construction started in 1887 and finished in just two years. It officially opened on March 31, 1889.
At the time, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 300 meters. Today, with antennas, it reaches to about 330 meters tall!
Who built the Eiffel Tower?
Another common question is, who built the Eiffel Tower? The tower was designed and led by French engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team. Although other engineers worked on the design, Eiffel’s name became attached to the project, which is why we call it the Eiffel Tower today.
Surprisingly, many artists and writers in Paris hated the design at first. They thought the iron structure looked ugly. But over time, public opinion changed. The tower became a proud symbol of French innovation and creativity. This change is an important part of Eiffel history.
Fun Facts about the Eiffel Tower
Here are some fun facts about the Eiffel Tower that might also surprise you:
• The tower was almost taken down in 1909 but was saved because it became useful as a radio transmission tower
• It gets repainted about every seven years
• It grows slightly taller in summer due to heat expansion
Klook Tip: Want the best views of the Eiffel Tower from every angle? Ride the Paris hop-on hop-off bus for easy sightseeing around the city!
FAQs about the history of Eiffel Tower
What is the story behind the Eiffel Tower?
The story behind the tower begins with the 1889 World’s Fair. It was meant to show France’s engineering power and celebrate the French Revolution’s 100th anniversary. At first, many locals disliked its design. Over time, however, people embraced it, and it became a beloved symbol of Paris.
Is it still illegal to take photos of the Eiffel Tower at night?
You can take photos of the tower during the day freely. At night, the sparkling light display is protected by copyright, so professional commercial use requires permission. For personal travel photos, tourists usually take pictures without issues.
Is there a secret bunker under the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, there is a small military bunker beneath the tower. It was used for communication and defense purposes in the past. Today, it is not open to the public. This hidden space adds another layer to the fascinating Eiffel history.
Stand on top of Paris’ history
The history of Eiffel Tower is a story of bold ideas and big dreams, rising from a temporary fair structure to a world-famous icon. Visit Paris, book your Eiffel Tower experience, and create unforgettable memories high above the city!
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