The Enigmatic Eiffel Tower: Discovering Secrets of Paris' Icon

Vincent
Jul 7, 2023
|
3
min read
The Enigmatic Eiffel Tower: Discovering  Secrets of Paris' Icon

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!

Most asked questions

How Tall is the Eiffel Tower?

The iconic Eiffel Tower reaches a height of approximately 324 meters, equivalent to around 1,063 feet. This makes it a towering presence in the Paris skyline.

When was the Eiffel Tower Built?

The Eiffel Tower was completed in the late 19th century, with its construction concluding on March 31, 1889. It took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days, a remarkable achievement for its time.

Why was the Eiffel Tower Built?

The Eiffel Tower was constructed as a key feature for the 1889 Paris World's Fair. It was intended to commemorate a century since the French Revolution and to demonstrate the progress in industrial and metal construction techniques.

Who Built the Eiffel Tower?

Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer and architect, is credited with the creation of the Eiffel Tower. His expertise in metal structure construction played a pivotal role in its design and execution.

Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?

Situated in the heart of Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower stands prominently on the Champ de Mars, near the banks of the Seine River. This location in the 7th arrondissement makes it a central and easily recognizable landmark in the city.

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