20 Fun Facts about the Eiffel Tower

As one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors from around the globe. With its rich history, elegant design, and breathtaking views of Paris, there's no wonder it's such a popular destination. In this we'll explore 20 fascinating facts about the Eiffel Tower that will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired to visit this architectural masterpiece. Let's dive in!

1.     The Grand Opening: The Eiffel Tower was officially opened on March 31, 1889, after just over two years of construction. Desgned by Gustave Eiffel, this impressive edifice was originally constructed as a provisional showcase for the 1889 World's Fair, commemorating the centennial of the French Revolution.

2.     A Temporary Marvel: Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years! However, it was saved from demolition due to its usefulness as a radio transmission tower, and today, it remains a beloved symbol of French culture and ingenuity.

3.     The Tallest in the World: Upon its completion, the Eiffel Tower became the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years until the completion of New York City's Chrysler Building in 1930. Standing at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, it's still the tallest structure in Paris.

4.     A Heavyweight Champion: The Eiffel Tower weighs a staggering 10, 100 tons, with its iron framework consisting of 18,038 individual pieces held together by 2.5 million rivets. The tower's weight is evenly distributed across four massive pillars, which provide a sturdy foundation for this engineering marvel.

5.     Painting the Town Red… or Brown: To protect the iron structure from rust and corrosion, the Eiffel Tower is painted every seven years. This process requires 60 tons of paint and takes about 18 months to complete. Interestingly, the tower has changed color several times throughout its history, but it has been painted in its current shade of brown since 1968.

6.     A Wind-Resistant Wonder: Gustave Eiffel designed the tower to be incredibly wind-resistant. Its unique lattice structure allows the wind to pass through, rather than putting pressure on the frame. As a result, the Eiffel Tower only sways around 6-7 centimeters (2-3 inches) in strong winds!

7.     Stairway to Heaven: If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the 1,665 steps to the second level of the Eiffel Tower. However, the top level is only accessible by elevator, as the stairs do not extend all the way to the summit. In total, there are three levels for visitors to explore, each offering a unique perspective of the City of Lights.

8.     A Love Lockdown: The Eiffel Tower has long been a symbol of love and romance, attracting countless couples who would attach "love locks" to the railings on the tower's various levels. However, due to concerns about the added weight and potential structural damage, the locks were removed in 2015, and glass panels were installed to prevent future love lock traditions.

9.     A Glittering Spectacle: Every evening, the Eiffel Tower transforms into a glittering spectacle with its famous light show. For five minutes every hour, from dusk until 1 am, 20,000 sparkling lights twinkle and dance across the tower's facade, creating a mesmerizing display that has become synonymous with the romantic ambiance of Paris.

10. A Green Giant: In an effort to reduce its environmental impact, the Eiffel Tower has embraced several eco-friendly initiatives. Solar panels, wind turbines, and a rainwater collection system have all been installed to help power the tower and its facilities, making it a shining example of sustainable tourism.

11. The Eiffel Tower's "Secret" Apartment: Unknown to many, Gustave Eiffel had a secret apartment built for himself at the top of the tower. This cozy space, complete with a grand piano, was exclusively reserved for Eiffel and his most esteemed guests. Today, visitors can peek into this hidden gem through a small window on the top level.

12. A Popular Attraction: The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world. Since its opening, it has welcomed over 300 million visitors, with an annual average of 7 million people flocking to this iconic landmark.

13. The Tower's Many Names: Parisians have affectionately given the Eiffel Tower numerous nicknames, including "La Dame de Fer" (The Iron Lady) and "La Grande Dame." These names emphasize the tower's unique combination of strength and elegance.

14. A Symbol of Freedom: During World War II, the French Resistance cut the Eiffel Tower's elevator cables to prevent Nazi soldiers from easily accessing the summit. Instead, the soldiers were forced to climb the stairs, making it a less appealing destination for them. After the liberation of Paris in 1944, the elevators were repaired, restoring the tower's accessibility for all visitors.

15. Famous Tower Replicas: The Eiffel Tower's iconic design has inspired numerous replicas around the world. Notable examples include the half-scale replica at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel in Nevada and the full-scale Tokyo Tower in Japan, which serves as a communications and observation tower.

16. The Eiffel Tower in Pop Culture: The Eiffel Tower has made countless appearances in films, television shows, and books, often symbolizing romance, adventure, or the allure of Paris. Some of the most iconic representations include the movie "An American in Paris," the animated film "Ratatouille," and the romantic comedy "Midnight in Paris."

17. A Haven for Daredevils: Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has attracted daredevils looking to make their mark on history. From tightrope walkers to parachutists, many thrill-seekers have used the tower as a backdrop for their stunts, though not always successfully.

18. A Culinary Delight: Visitors to the Eiffel Tower can indulge in fine French cuisine at the tower's two restaurants, Le Jules Verne and 58 Tour Eiffel. Le Jules Verne, located on the second level, is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet dishes and stunning views of the city, while 58 Tour Eiffel provides a more casual dining experience on the first level.

19. A Marriage Proposal Hotspot: With its romantic setting and breathtaking views, the Eiffel Tower has become a popular location for marriage proposals. Every year, countless couples pledge their love and commitment to each other at this iconic monument, making it a symbol of love and unity for people around the world.

20. A Tower with a Voice: In 2000, the Eiffel Tower received a unique addition: a radio antenna. This antenna enables the tower to transmit both FM radio and digital television signals, ensuring that the Eiffel Tower remains not only a visual icon but also an important communications hub.

Thanks for reading!

From its storied history to its remarkable engineering, the Eiffel Tower has become an enduring symbol of culture, innovation, and romance. With its breathtaking views, glittering light shows, and fine dining experiences, it's no wonder that this architectural masterpiece continues to enchant visitors from all corners of the globe.