10 Fascinating Facts About the Eiffel Tower
It may be an icon of Paris, but the history of the Eiffel Tower is far from straightforward. It has been described in various ways and has a legacy filled with secret apartments and tragic accidents.
1. It was controversial
Contemporary critics initially described the design as “monstrous,” “useless,” and a “hateful column of bolted sheet metal.” An official petition was even launched to halt its construction, as some architects believed it was physically impossible to erect a structure of its height.
2. It was originally designed as an entrance
Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was initially intended as a monumental gateway, similar to the Arc de Triomphe, showcasing new revolutionary iron-lattice architecture. It has since secured a cherished place in the hearts of Parisians and serves as a vital communication tower, exceeding its original schedule by over a century.
3. It is painted different colors
The Eiffel Tower is coated in three shades of brown, with the darkest at the top and the lightest at the bottom. This gradient helps counteract atmospheric haze, giving the structure a uniform appearance. Interestingly, it was once painted bright red and yellow.
4. It shrinks in winter
Cold weather causes the metal of the tower to contract, while heat causes it to expand. The height of the Eiffel Tower can change by up to 15 centimeters. Moreover, the top of the tower can sway in the wind as well.
5. There’s a (not so) secret apartment at the top
Architect Gustave Eiffel had an apartment at the summit of the tower, which he used for experiments and hosting notable guests. While it was not designed for sleeping, as it lacked a bed, the office has been recreated and is now open to the public through tours.
6. Taking pictures of the tower at night is tricky
Although the design of the tower is in the public domain, the lighting display is copyrighted, making it illegal to commercially distribute photographs of it. However, taking pictures is not prohibited, leading to some confusion regarding sharing on social platforms like Instagram.
7. It can be dangerous
The Eiffel Tower’s first floor has attracted daredevils over the years. For instance, in 1912, Franz Reichelt jumped to his death while demonstrating a wearable parachute. In 1926, Léon Collot attempted to fly his plane beneath the first floor arch and tragically crashed.
8. It has many copycats
The Eiffel Tower has inspired numerous replicas around the globe, including in Pakistan, Russia, and Las Vegas. The earliest imitation was the Blackpool Tower, constructed just five years later after the mayor of Blackpool demanded a comparable structure complementing the seaside town.
9. It’s a record-breaker
The Eiffel Tower once held the title of the world’s tallest structure, a distinction later overtaken by the Chrysler Building in 1930. However, it reclaimed its status in 1957 when radio masts were added. In March 2022, the addition of new radio antennas raised its height to 330 meters.
10. It has a heart of glass
In 2014, the tower underwent a significant refurbishment for its 125th anniversary, featuring a stunning new glass platform on the first floor, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the queues below.
