10 Fascinating Facts About the Eiffel Tower That’ll Amaze You
The Eiffel Tower is a beloved architectural wonder, attracting millions of visitors annually. It symbolizes French culture, history, and pride. Inaugurated in 1889, the tower has weathered the test of time through two world wars, leaps in technology and engineering, and an ever-evolving society. There’s no doubt that the Eiffel Tower has a story to tell and some fascinating facts to support it. Here are ten fascinating facts about the Eiffel Tower that’ll amaze you.
The Tower Wasn’t Meant to Be Permanent
When Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower, he had in mind the 1889 World Fair. The Fair was meant to be experienced in all its grandeur, which meant having a towering structure that would serve as the Fair’s entrance. The Eiffel Tower was meant to exist for only 20 years, after which it was to be dismantled. However, the tower’s innovative antenna system, which allowed it to become a broadcasting tower, saved it from being dismantled and turned it into the iconic symbol of Paris that it is today.
Its Name Changed Multiple Times
Before its construction, the tower’s original name was supposed to be ‘The 300 Meter Tower.’ However, it was named the Eiffel Tower after the designer. French critics were scathing in their response, but the name stuck. The tower was almost named ‘The Tower of Babel’ and was also nearly scrapped as it was considered useless. Gustave, however, was persistent, and the alternative names were eventually rejected.
The Tower Has Upgraded Lighting
You may have noticed that the Eiffel Tower’s lighting changes color. In 1999, the lighting was upgraded to include 400-projectors with 2,000 bulbs in each, which create stunning visuals, especially during holidays. Over 120,000 light bulbs power the tower’s brilliant illumination and help it stand out even from a distance.
It was Built Faster Than You May Think
You’d think that constructing a tower as grand as the Eiffel Tower would take years, right? Surprise! The Eiffel Tower was constructed in just two years, two months, and five days. This was a massive feat, considering the tower’s sheer size and complexity. A thousand workers and 18,000 metal parts worked in concert to make it all happen.
It’s Been the Site of Death-Defying Stunts
The Eiffel Tower has served as the backdrop for incredible stunts, ranging from daring tight-rope walks to base jumps. Felix Baumgartner was the first person to base jump off the Eiffel Tower, whereas Phillippe Petit made a tightrope walk across its summit. Petit, in particular, had to balance on a cable, 450 meters high, without a harness or safety net, for 45-minutes! While we don’t recommend reenacting these feats, they are examples of what human ingenuity and determination can achieve.
It Once Collected Meteorological Data
In 1889, the French meteorological office set up a lab on the Eiffel Tower to measure air pressure, temperature, and humidity levels. This experiment enabled meteorologists to collect data from great heights, a novelty at that time. The data collected was used to predict weather patterns and help better understand weather-related disasters.
It Was Once the Tallest Man-Made Structure in the World
When the Eiffel Tower was built, it stood at 324 meters tall, making it the tallest structure in the world. It held this record for an impressive 41 years before it was overtaken by New York’s Chrysler Building in 1930. Despite being built over a century ago, the Eiffel Tower’s size and stature still make it one of the most impressive engineering wonders in the world.
The Tower is A Living Piece Of Art
The Eiffel Tower is a living piece of art that changes over time. Every seven years, the tower’s face is repainted, with about 60 tons of paint used during the repainting. Every time the tower is painted, a slightly different hue of paint is used, giving the tower a unique appearance each time.
The Designer Gustave Eiffel Was Not Allowed to Go to the Top
Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s designer, was not invited to the tower’s inauguration ceremony, nor was he allowed to ascend the tower until seven years after its completion. As part of his punishment for his daring and, at the time, controversial design, Gustave had to walk up the stairs instead of using the lift like everyone else.
Love Locks Almost Brought The Tower Down
In 2015, the tradition of putting love locks all over the Eiffel Tower had caused so much weight that the railings started to break and crumble. While the city of Paris eventually implemented a ban on adding locks, the breakdown of the railings was a testament to how beloved the tower is and the lengths people will go to celebrate it.
Conclusion
The Eiffel Tower has always held a special place in the world’s collective imagination. It’s a symbol of pride for the French people and an icon of Parisian culture. From almost being scrapped as a useless structure to holding its own as the world’s tallest man-made structure, the Eiffel Tower has survived history to become a celebrated piece of architectural brilliance. We hope that these ten fascinating facts about the tower have helped you appreciate it even more.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)
Speech tips:
Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.