Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is an iron tower located in Paris, the capital of France, and one of the most famous structures in the world. Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was constructed for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle). Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the tower sparked significant controversy at the time due to both its design and scale. Initially criticized by many artist and intellectuals, it gradually became one of France’s national symbols.

^{Eiffel Tower}

When completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower at 330 metres became the tallest structure in the world, taking the title from the 169-metre-tall Washington Monument in the United States. It retained this title until 1930, when it was surpassed by the 381-metre-tall Chrysler Building in New York. The tower is regarded as the pioneer of steel structures considered marvels of modern engineering.

The Eiffel Tower consists of three levels. Visitors can reach the first two levels by foot or elevator, but only the elevator provides access to the third level. The top level not only offers a magnificent view of Paris but also houses a replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office. The tower is constructed from approximately 7,300 tonnes of iron and is repainted every seven years to preserve it, requiring about 60 tonnes of paint for each repainting.

The Eiffel Tower was originally designed as a temporary building, but it was saved from demolition due to its immense popularity and its emergence as a symbol of Paris. Throughout the 20th century, it served as a communication hub for radio and television broadcasting. Today, it is a gravity attraction visited by millions of tourists annually. Moreover, it has inspired numerous film, literary works and art creations.

^{The Eiffel Tower illuminated in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Paris (2015)}

The Eiffel Tower is a defining structure of Paris, reflecting its title as the “City of Lights,” especially through its nighttime illumination. First installed in 1985, the lighting system is now enhanced by thousands of light bulb and LED lights to create a captivating visual effect. This illumination display is often modified for special events and celebrations, imbuing the tower with different meanings.