The Eiffel Tower is a landmark of Paris and the symbol of all the iron structure. It represents one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the world, thanks to its designer Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer, from whom it took its name.
It was born as a temporary structure for the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1889. It was destined to be dismantled after 20 years in order to scrap metal but seeking a way to prove the structure’s strategic utility, Eiffel erected an antenna atop the tower and financed experiments with wireless telegraphy that began in 1898. The value of the tower in sending and receiving wireless messages, particularly for the French military, caused the city to renew Eiffel’s concession when it expired in 1909. Today, more than 100 antennae on the tower beam radio and television broadcasts around the world.
The wrought iron structure is made up of 18,000 pieces, divided into 4 bases, resting on brick piers, which curve internally joining into a single tapered tower.
It took 7,300 tons of steel and 60 tons of paint to build it.
The Eiffel Tower is 324m high. It is not a rigid structure, but it was built to sway slightly in the wind.
It has 108 floors with 1,710 steps.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous tourist attraction in the world. Visitors can only climb the stairs to the first platform and then they can reach the top thanks to 2 panoramic lifts.
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