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The Eiffel Tower in Paris

Locally nicknamed “La dame de fer” (French for “Iron Lady”), the Eiffel Tower was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris and was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable and iconic structures in the world. Not only a symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower in Paris contains over 100 antennas to broadcast radio and television around the world. The Eiffel Tower is illuminated by 335 projectors every night for a spectacular light show. Designer Gustave Eiffel included a small apartment for himself at the top of the tower. The Eiffel Tower is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of France’s rich history and cultural significance. It remains one of the most visited and recognized landmarks in the world.

Construction: The Eiffel Tower, known as “La Tour Eiffel” in French, was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company, Eiffel et Cie. It was constructed as the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Height: At its completion in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world, with a height of 324 meters (1,063 feet). Including its antennas, it reaches a height of 330 meters (1,083 feet). It retained its title as the world’s tallest structure until 1930 when the Chrysler Building in New York City surpassed it in height.
Design: The tower is known for its distinctive lattice iron structure, which was considered revolutionary in its time. It was initially met with mixed reactions but has since become an iconic symbol of modern architecture.
Visitors: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world, with millions of tourists coming from around the globe to see it each year. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from its observation decks.
Elevators and Stairs: Visitors can ascend the tower using elevators or climb the stairs. There are three levels accessible to the public. The first and second levels have restaurants, shops, and exhibit spaces. The third level provides the best views of the city.
Illumination: The tower is beautifully illuminated with thousands of lights every evening, creating a stunning spectacle. It is often lit up in different colors to celebrate various events and occasions.
Maintenance: The Eiffel Tower requires ongoing maintenance due to its iron structure’s exposure to the elements. It is repainted every seven years to protect it from rust and maintain its iconic color, which is officially known as “Eiffel Tower Brown.”
Cultural Significance: The Eiffel Tower has played a significant role in literature, art, and popular culture. It has appeared in numerous films, books, and works of art and is often used as a symbol of romance and the city of Paris itself.
Historical Significance: During World War II, the French Resistance cut the tower’s elevator cables to hinder the German army’s access to the top. Despite this, German soldiers still climbed the tower to hoist the swastika flag, but it was replaced with the French tricolor soon after Paris was liberated.
Anniversary Celebrations: The tower has celebrated several milestones, including its 100th anniversary in 1989, when a grand light show was held. It also underwent significant renovations for its 120th anniversary in 2009.