5 fun facts you didn’t know about the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, is renowned worldwide for its architectural brilliance and historical significance. While many recognize its towering presence and romantic allure, countless lesser-known facts about the Eiffel Tower add to its intrigue. From its initial criticism to its role in scientific advancements, the tower’s history is filled with surprising details. Delve into fun facts about this landmark and discover what the Eiffel Tower is famous for beyond its stunning vistas, uncovering the fascinating stories behind this beloved landmark.

1. What’s in a name?

Built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was named after its engineer and architect, Gustave Eiffel. During his lifetime, Eiffel kept a small apartment near the top of the tower to entertain friends. While you can’t live there yourself, you can at least take tours with access to the second floor and summit. Aside from the tower, he’s notable for making the metalwork for New York’s Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, toward the end of his life, Eiffel was the subject of scandal. When a project to build a canal in Panama ran into financial difficulties, he was charged with misuse of funds and his public image never recovered.

2. How it all adds up

The Eiffel Tower is the sum of its parts — 18,000 metallic parts, to be exact. At 324 meters (1,063 ft) tall, there are 1,665 steps to the top. Luckily, you can join a tour by taking an elevator to the top. The elevators travel a distance of 103,000 km (64,000 miles) a year — that’s 2.5 times the circumference of the Earth. The tower was the world’s tallest manmade structure until 1930 when New York’s Chrysler Building outdid it. How do they keep the landmark looking fresh? You could call the Eiffel Tower “high maintenance,” as it’s repainted every 7 years and requires 60 tons (54,000 kilograms) of paint.

3. The City of Lights

If you’ve ever been walking around Paris at night, you may have noticed a twinkle in the sky. As part of the Illumination Show, the tower lights up hourly after dark. The spectacle takes 20,000 lightbulbs to make the entire Eiffel Tower sparkle. Why not plan a dinner date and marvel at “The City of Lights” from its most iconic landmark?

4. Parisians thought it was an eyesore

Believe it or not, the tower faced significant criticism when it was built. French intellectuals and the general public believed the new structure would destroy the beauty of Paris. Now, the tower is considered an architectural wonder and has received over 250 million visitors. Today, around 7 million visitors ascend to the top of the tower every year. Take a tour in the future and learn more about the history of this architectural icon from a local, experienced guide.

5. It’s a survivor

When the German army occupied Paris during World War II, they closed the Eiffel Tower to the public. In 1944, as the Allies approached, Hitler ordered Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy the tower and other parts of Paris. Fortunately, the general refused and helped save many of Paris’ architectural and cultural masterpieces from destruction. Want to take in all these sights at once? A river cruise along the Seine is an excellent option. Starting at the Eiffel Tower, you’ll glide past The Grand Palais, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral on a future trip to the city.

FAQs

What makes the Eiffel Tower unique?

The Eiffel Tower’s distinctive height and silhouette make it a standout feature on the Paris skyline, contributing to its status as a top attraction. Its iconic design is intertwined with the identity of Paris, enhancing its allure as a symbol of the city and France.

What are the 72 names on the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower features the names of 72 scientists, engineers, and mathematicians engraved on its sides. These include notable figures like Seguin, an engineer; Lalande, an astronomer; Tresca, an engineer and mechanic; Poncelet, a geometer; Bresse, a mathematician; Lagrange, another geometer; Belanger, a mathematician; and Cuvier, a naturalist. These names honor the contributions of these individuals to various fields of science and technology.

What was supposed to happen to the Eiffel Tower after 20 years?

Originally, the Eiffel Tower was intended to be dismantled 20 years after its construction. However, it was saved due to its usefulness as a radio transmission tower, allowing it to remain a Parisian icon.

Why is the Eiffel Tower famous?

The Eiffel Tower is renowned for its breathtaking ascent and panoramic views of Paris. As a symbol of light, it dazzles with its sparkling lights and beacon, inspiring dreams every evening. Its iconic presence in the Parisian skyline makes it a must-see attraction.

How long did it take to build the Eiffel Tower?

Construction of the Eiffel Tower began on January 26, 1887, and was completed on March 31, 1889. It took over two years, specifically 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days, to finish this remarkable engineering achievement.