Experiences

Facts About Eiffel Tower

1. Eiffel Tower’s Penthouse

2. Who Really Designed It?

3. From Temporary to Timeless

4. Tower’s Close Call in WWII

5. Iron Twins: Eiffel & Liberty

6. Historic Eiffel Tower Amenities

7. From Architectural Marvel to Scientific Laboratory

8. How the Tower Moves

9. Names Engraved on the Tower

10. Behind the Scenes of the Eiffel Tower Maintenance

11. Night Sparkle with a Few Rules

12. Cheers from the Top

13. Global Tourist’s Magnet

14. Preserving Paris’s Iconic Marvel

When you think of Paris, what comes to mind first? For most of us, it's the iconic Eiffel Tower. La Tour Eiffel, standing at an impressive height of 324 metres, is not just a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of romance and French ingenuity. One of the most fascinating Eiffel Tower facts is that it was originally intended to be a temporary structure, and today it has become a timeless symbol of the “City of Light”.

But there’s so much more to this Iron Lady than what meets the eye. Did you know that Gustave Eiffel's masterpiece was constructed in just over two years using 7,300 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets? That’s right, it’s a feat of precision and speed that still boggles the mind today.

Despite initial criticism, the Eiffel Tower quickly won hearts and became a beloved landmark worldwide. Over 300 million visitors have marvelled at its grandeur since it first opened, yet it still has secrets to reveal.

So next time you visit, remember that the Eiffel Tower is not just a structure; it's a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring allure of Paris. Ready to explore more such interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower? Let’s dive in!

Here are 14 mind-blowing facts related to Eiffel Tower:

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01

Eiffel Tower’s Penthouse

The first of the lesser-known, interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower is that there's a penthouse apartment at the top. Gustave Eiffel reserved the uppermost level of the tower for himself, where he hosted famous guests like Thomas Edison in a private apartment.

This penthouse was a luxurious retreat high above the bustling streets of Paris. Today, the space has been transformed into a recreation of Eiffel's office, complete with wax figures of himself, his daughter, and Edison. Visitors can now get a glimpse of this historical spot and imagine what it was like to be entertained by Eiffel himself in his sky-high sanctuary.

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02

Who Really Designed It?

While the Eiffel Tower bears Gustave Eiffel’s name, he wasn’t the mastermind behind its design. Notably, one of the most interesting Eiffel Tower facts is that its credit actually goes to Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier. These were the two engineers from Eiffel's firm, who crafted the initial blueprint.

To refine the tower’s appearance and address public concerns about its stark utilitarian look, they enlisted French architect Stephen Sauvestre. Together, their design triumphed over more than 100 other proposals in the competition for the 1889 World's Fair. So, while Eiffel is closely associated with the tower, it was the combined efforts of these individuals that shaped this iconic landmark.

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03

From Temporary to Timeless

One of the most fun facts about the Eiffel Tower is that it was originally built as a temporary marvel. Yes, The Eiffel Tower was meant to be dismantled after 20 years. Built to showcase France's industrial power during the 1889 World's Fair, its fate changed when Gustave Eiffel integrated a radio antenna and wireless telegraph transmitter into the design.

By demonstrating the practical value of radio technology to the government in 1910, Eiffel secured a 70-year extension for the tower. By 1980, and the Eiffel Tower had entrenched itself as an iconic symbol of Paris and France, making the idea of demolition a distant memory.

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04

Tower’s Close Call in WWII

In August 1944, as World War II neared its end, Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of Paris. His generals planned to mine the Eiffel Tower with explosives to level it, but fortunately, the Allied forces arrived before these plans could be executed.

Although Paris endured substantial damage from air raids, the Eiffel Tower remained unscathed. Its survival stands as a testament to the resilience of this iconic landmark, which continued to shine through the darkness of wartime adversity.

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05

Iron Twins: Eiffel & Liberty

The Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty share a unique connection. Yes! It is one of the intriguing Eiffel Tower facts that Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi who crafted "Liberty Enlightening the World," initially sought help from Eugène Viollet-le-Duc for its internal framework.

After Viollet-le-Duc's demise in 1879, Bartholdi turned to Gustave Eiffel and his team. Their expertise demonstrated through the Statue of Liberty’s internal structure, paved the way for their next iconic project—the Eiffel Tower. This link between two of the world’s most famous landmarks highlights their shared legacy in iron engineering and architectural innovation.

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06

Historic Eiffel Tower Amenities

The Eiffel Tower has had quite a diverse history. One of the interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower is that it once housed a post office and even a theatre! During the 1889 World's Fair, the first floor of this iconic structure featured a post office where visitors could send letters from one of the world's most famous landmarks.

On the second floor, a unique wooden theatre designed by architect Sauvestre, entertained guests. These features were part of the tower’s charm and utility, adding to its status as a multifaceted marvel.

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07

From Architectural Marvel to Scientific Laboratory

We bet you didn’t know about this interesting fun fact about the Eiffel Tower. The magnificent structure wasn’t just an architectural marvel but also a scientific laboratory. Gustave Eiffel, a passionate scientist, utilised the tower’s third floor for his meteorology lab once.

This unique space became a hub for studying physics and aerodynamics. Eiffel even constructed a wind tunnel at the tower’s base to aid his experiments. But he didn’t keep it all to himself; other scientists were welcome to use the lab for their research.

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08

How the Tower Moves

The Eiffel Tower is not as stationary as it seems. This colossal iron structure gently sways during storms due to its wind-resistant design. Additionally, one of the most fascinating Eiffel Tower height facts is that the sun causes the iron to expand during the summer, making the tower grow a few centimetres.

The side facing the sun heats up faster than the other sides, causing the tower to lean about six inches away from the sun. These subtle movements are part of what makes the Eiffel Tower a marvel of engineering.

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09

Names Engraved on the Tower

Do you want to know one of the lesser-known Eiffel Tower facts? Well, the Eiffel Tower pays homage to 19th-century French scientists and engineers. Yes! Seventy-two names, including notable figures like Foucault, Dumas, and Perrier, are engraved on the tower’s iron structure.

These names were originally painted in the early 20th century but were restored in the late 1980s, bringing these tributes back into view. Today, visitors can spot these historical names on the first floor of the tower, celebrating the contributions of these scientific pioneers.

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10

Behind the Scenes of the Eiffel Tower Maintenance

Keeping the Eiffel Tower in the same, beautiful condition is no small feat. It requires a large amount of manpower and a significant time for its maintenance. A team of 50 skilled painters works tirelessly to protect it from air pollution, bird droppings, and rust.

They inspect the structure for corrosion, strip away worn sections, and apply multiple coats of anti-rust primer. Then, they hand-painted the entire tower with 60 tons of paint, adhering to the traditional methods used in Eiffel’s time. The process can take from 18 months to three years, depending on weather conditions.

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11

Night Sparkle with a Few Rules

Did you know about this fun fact of the Eiffel Tower that when the Eiffel Tower lights up, it's more than just a display—it’s a copyrighted masterpiece! Yes! The iconic sparkling light show first debuted on New Year’s Eve 1999, marking the new millennium with 20,000 twinkling bulbs.

But here's the twist: while the Eiffel Tower itself is in the public domain, the nighttime light show is protected by French Copyright Law. So, if you’re snapping pics for personal use, you're good to go. However, if you’re planning to use those photos commercially, you might need to go through the legal framework.

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12

Cheers from the Top

Ready for a toast with a view? At the top of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find a chic Champagne Bar that’s perfect for celebrating your achievement of reaching the summit. After you’ve taken in those breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, indulge in a glass of bubbly champagne and let the celebration begin.

One of the fascinating fun facts about the Eiffel Tower is that you can even treat yourself, by sipping champagne 324 metres high above the city adding a touch of glamour to your experience. The sparkling wine perfectly complements the sparkling city lights below, making it a memorable moment you won’t forget.

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13

Global Tourist’s Magnet

The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a Parisian icon; it’s a global magnet for tourists! Each year, it attracts millions of visitors from every corner of the globe, making it one of the most visited monuments in the world.

With its stunning views and iconic design, it’s no wonder travellers flock to see this marvel. From selfies with the Iron Lady to breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, the Eiffel Tower’s allure is undeniable. It’s like a city's grand welcome to tourists, inviting everyone to experience its charm and elegance. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress.

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14

Preserving Paris’s Iconic Marvel

Even iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower need a little TLC! To keep this Parisian marvel standing tall, constant renovations and maintenance are key. Each year, the tower undergoes a fresh coat of paint—about 60 tons of it—to protect against the elements and keep its iconic shine.

Structural inspections are a regular affair, ensuring every rivet and beam stays in tip-top shape. The goal? Preserve its grandeur and ensure it continues to awe visitors for generations to come. So, while it may seem timeless, a dedicated team of experts works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep this symbol of Paris looking as stunning as ever!

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