Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and France, stands tall as an engineering marvel and cultural icon. Gustave Eiffel’s masterpiece, completed in 1889, rises 324 meters above the Champ de Mars, captivating millions of visitors annually. This wrought-iron lattice tower, originally built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair, has become one of the world’s most recognizable structures.

Visitors can ascend the tower’s three levels, each offering breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Light. The first two levels house restaurants, providing a unique dining experience with unparalleled vistas. The top level, reaching a dizzying height of 276 meters, offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of Paris and beyond.

At night, the Eiffel Tower transforms into a beacon of light, its 20,000 bulbs creating a mesmerizing display visible for miles. This illumination show, occurring every hour on the hour, has become a must-see spectacle for tourists and locals alike.

The tower’s cultural significance extends beyond its physical presence. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and cinema, cementing its place in global popular culture. As a feat of 19th-century engineering, the Eiffel Tower continues to inspire architects and engineers worldwide.

With over 7 million visitors annually, the Eiffel Tower ranks as one of the world’s most-visited paid monuments. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the ingenuity of its design. The tower’s maintenance involves regular painting to protect it from corrosion, with 60 tons of paint applied every seven years.

Key Highlights

• Towering height of 324 meters, equivalent to an 81-story building
• Three visitor levels, including two restaurants and an observation deck
• 20,000 light bulbs creating a stunning hourly night-time illumination show
• 1,665 steps from ground level to the top (lift access also available)
• 7.1 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the world’s most popular paid attractions
• 18,000 metal parts held together by 2.5 million rivets
• Weight of 10,100 tons, with a 125-meter-square base
• Sways up to 6-7 cm in strong winds, showcasing its flexible design
• Houses a secret apartment at the top, once used by Gustave Eiffel himself
• Repainted every seven years, requiring 60 tons of paint each time

Location

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