The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Millions of visitors flock to Paris every year to witness this magnificent structure. But beyond its breathtaking beauty, this iron giant holds secrets and fascinating facts that many don’t know. In this blog, we’ll uncover 10 incredible facts that will change the way you see the Eiffel Tower forever.
At Visit Every Corner, we believe in bringing you the most detailed and mesmerizing insights into the world’s greatest places. Our goal is to ensure that every traveler experiences the hidden wonders of every destination. Let’s dive into the untold stories of this Parisian masterpiece!
Quick Overview
- Location: Paris, France, Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
- Unique Features: Originally a temporary structure, it became a global symbol of art, engineering, and romance
Top Highlights
- Constructed in 1889 for the World’s Fair
- Initially disliked but later became a Parisian icon
- Changes height with the seasons
- Painted every seven years with 60 tons of paint
- Once used as a military radio transmission tower
- Has a secret apartment at the top
- Sparks light shows every evening
- Inspired famous structures worldwide
- Nearly demolished in World War II
- Visited by over 300 million people since its opening
1. It Was Supposed to Be Temporary
Yes, you read that right! The Eiffel Tower was originally designed to last only 20 years. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind this marvel, constructed it for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. However, when the fair ended, Parisians were divided—some loved it, while others despised it. Fortunately, its value as a radio transmission tower saved it from demolition.
Gustave Eiffel was a visionary, but he had to fight against heavy criticism. Many artists and intellectuals of the time called it an eyesore and demanded its removal. One famous writer, Guy de Maupassant, even claimed he dined at the tower’s restaurant just to avoid seeing it. Today, the Eiffel Tower stands proudly as a global symbol of Paris.
2. The Eiffel Tower Changes Height!
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower grows in the summer? The iron structure expands due to heat, making the tower up to 15 cm (6 inches) taller during warmer months. In winter, it shrinks back to its original size. This fascinating natural phenomenon is due to thermal expansion.
While this change in height isn’t visible to the naked eye, scientists have measured it over the years. Engineers had to take this expansion into account when designing the tower, ensuring it could withstand extreme temperature variations without structural issues. It’s a true testament to the brilliance of 19th-century engineering!
3. It’s Repainted Every Seven Years
Keeping the Eiffel Tower looking majestic isn’t an easy task. Every seven years, a team of painters applies 60 tons of paint to protect it from rust. This has been done continuously since its construction. The painting process takes around 18 months, and workers use 1,500 brushes to coat every inch of the iron structure.
The paint color has changed multiple times throughout history. Originally, the Eiffel Tower was painted a reddish-brown color, then a yellowish hue. Since 1968, it has been coated in a bronze color called “Eiffel Tower Brown,” which enhances its visual appeal under different lighting conditions.
4. A Secret Apartment Sits at the Top of Eiffel Tower
Gustave Eiffel built a private apartment for himself at the summit of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike the rest of the structure, this cozy hideaway had luxurious furniture and wallpaper. Eiffel used it to entertain VIP guests, including famous scientists like Thomas Edison. Today, visitors can view it through a glass window.
While Eiffel never lived in the apartment full-time, he often hosted scientific discussions there. The apartment remains preserved, giving visitors a rare glimpse into a part of history few knew existed.
5. The Eiffel Tower Was Nearly Destroyed in WWII
During World War II, Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of the Eiffel Tower, fearing it would be used by the French Resistance. However, the command was never executed, and the tower survived. To prevent German forces from using it, French resistance fighters cut the lift cables, making it impossible for soldiers to ascend.
When the war ended, the tower once again became a symbol of resilience. It has since stood as a monument to both history and human ingenuity, proving that even in the darkest times, some landmarks remain untouchable.
6. It Was the World’s Tallest Building for 41 Years
Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet), the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930. It lost its title to New York’s Chrysler Building. Despite this, it remains the tallest structure in Paris, offering unmatched panoramic views of the city.
Visitors who reach the top of the Eiffel Tower can see up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) on a clear day. The breathtaking views include iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
7. The Eiffel Tower Sparkles Every Night
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Eiffel Tower is its nightly light show. Every evening, the tower lights up with 20,000 twinkling lights for five minutes at the start of every hour. This breathtaking display has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
The lights were first introduced in 1985, and they have since become an essential part of Paris’s romantic atmosphere. Many proposals and celebrations take place beneath this dazzling spectacle, adding to the magic of the Eiffel Tower.
8. It Has Inspired Many Replicas
The Eiffel Tower has inspired over 50 replicas around the world! From Las Vegas to Tokyo, various cities have built their own versions. Even China has a near-identical copy in Tianducheng, a town designed to resemble Paris.
Other notable replicas include the Tokyo Tower in Japan and a smaller version in Mexico. These structures show the global impact of this Parisian icon.
Final Thoughts
The Eiffel Tower is more than just a landmark; it’s a symbol of human ingenuity, perseverance, and beauty. Whether you admire it from below or take in the view from the top, it never fails to amaze.
If you love exploring the world’s hidden wonders, Visit Every Corner is your perfect guide. We bring you the most captivating insights into iconic places, helping you experience them like never before. Stay curious and keep discovering!
