This iconic tour is the epicenter of French culture, a symbol of love, an allegory of Power, and a print of Human genius. I guess you know how she looks, but do you really know her secrets?
“I am going to be jealous, she will be more famous than me” once told Gustave Eiffel, the architect and engineer of the impressive Eiffel Tower. Guess what, he was right. This iconic tour is the epicenter of French culture, a symbol of love, an allegory of Power, and a print of Human genius. I guess you know how she looks, but do you really know her secrets? There are too many things to say about our national pride! Embark on an extraordinary reading to discover the enigmatic secrets of the Eiffel Tower.
Birthplace of French Postcards
In a remarkable piece of history, the Eiffel Tower witnessed the launch of the first illustrated French postcard. Named the "Libonis" after its creator, this iconic postcard was printed on the tower's first floor, where a post office was conveniently located. It marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day.
TRIUMPH OVER DESTRUCTION
Originally intended as a temporary structure, the Eiffel Tower, inaugurated in 1889 (The 100th birthday of the French Revolution), faced the threat of dismantlement after just two decades. However, Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind its construction, saved its fate by demonstrating its scientific utility. Serving as a weather station and an aerodynamics laboratory, the tower proved its value and secured its place in history.
GLOBAL EMULATION
Since 1894, the Eiffel Tower has inspired replicas worldwide, from Russia to China and even Romania. Notably, one of the most famous replicas, standing at an impressive height of 165 meters (half of the French one) can be found in Las Vegas.
VERY HIGH MONUMENT
Until 1931, The 330 meters Eiffel Tower was the highest monument ever created. After that, The Empire State Building took the lead. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, conquering the Eiffel Tower requires determination and a sense of wonder. If you choose to bypass the elevators, be prepared to ascend a staggering 1,710 steps. With each step, you'll get closer to the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the City of Light.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Memorable events have happened in the Eiffel Tower since its creation. Let's share some of them. In 1948, an 85-year-old elephant arrived at the Eiffel Tower to test its resilience but only made it to the first floor due to exhaustion, unable to ascend any further. In 1997, three years before the year 2000, the mayor of Paris initiated a countdown of 1000 days to zero, intended to illuminate at midnight. Interestingly, those who experienced it recall that this meter unexpectedly ceased functioning a few hours before the fateful hour, after three years of uninterrupted operation.
The Eiffel Tower, shrouded in mystery and steeped in history, continues to captivate the hearts and minds of visitors worldwide. By delving into its secrets and stories, you will have a deeper appreciation when visiting that iconic landmark!