One of the most famous buildings in the world, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of travelers for its iconic status, panoramic vistas, and rich history. If you thought you knew everything about this grand monument, you may be surprised by what we have uncovered in its long, beautiful history. Discover 15 fascinating facts you never knew about the Eiffel Tower.
It Took Two Years, Two Months, and Five Days to Complete the Tower’s Construction
Unlike many of France’s older monuments, it only took two years, two months, and five days to complete the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The project started on January 26, 1887, and ended on March 31, 1889. The engineering marvel’s assembly involved 250 workers for $1.5 million, equivalent to $44 million today.
The Tower’s Construction Was to Mark the 100th Anniversary of the French Revolution
The modern wonder opened to the public on March 31, 1889, which was the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution. It was the centerpiece of the celebration, serving as the grand gateway entrance to the International Exposition, held in Paris. Many European monarchies failed to attend the World’s Fair because of its theme of commemorating the end of the French monarchy.
It Was Meant to Be a Temporary Building
The tower was solely built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and was to be demolished after 20 years. However, the French government decided to keep it due to its increased popularity and valuable purpose as a radio antenna and a hub for scientific experiments.
The French Didn’t Like the Tower At First
Many French people, particularly artists and intellectuals, weren’t happy with the tower during its construction. Some claimed it was “useless,” “monstrous,” and “too American.” They were concerned with the building’s architecture, which, according to them, didn’t match the city’s classical design. They also had an issue with the tower’s height, which would overshadow other iconic Paris landmarks, like the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
It’s Repainted Every Seven Years to Maintain Its Unique Appearance
The tower is repainted every seven years, with about 60 tons of paint. The practice is to prevent the iron from rusting and corrosion. It’s also to maintain its outstanding aesthetic appeal, allowing it to remain a unique Parisian landmark. The building’s designer, Gustave, started the practice, acknowledging the necessity of safeguarding the structure and maintaining its beautiful appearance.
It Played a Vital Role During the World Wars
The tower’s wireless station was crucial in radio communication during WWI. In 1914, the radio antennas installed on the tower’s summit intercepted enemy military transmissions, allowing France to achieve victory. In WWII, French engineers intentionally sabotaged the tower’s elevators, leaving German troops to climb the stairs to the summit, making it a silent symbol of resistance against occupation by the Nazi regime.
It became a Billboard between the Late 1920s and the 1930s
The Eiffel Tower has been a tourist attraction since its inauguration, but did you know it also served as a billboard in the 1920s and ‘30s? The tower advertised the Citroen automobiles, brightly illuminating the company’s name on three sides of its spire. The advertisement was visible from almost 20 miles away when displayed, making the tower the planet’s largest advert of the period.
It Was the World’s Tallest Building Until 1930
When it was completed, the 330-meter-high tower was the tallest building on Earth. It retained the title until 1930, when New York’s Chrysler Building was completed at a height of 319 meters. The Eiffel Tower’s impressive height and overall grandeur have inspired the construction of over 40 replicas around the globe, from the most well-known Las Vegas Tower, a top attraction on the Las Vegas Strip, to Japan’s Tokyo Tower.
Over 20,000 Lightbulbs Go into Its Every Night’s Sparkle
One of the most attractive things about this Paris landmark is its dazzling display of lights at night. The tower’s marvelous golden glow stays on from dusk until 1 am, but the real showstopper is the sparkles that remain lit up for five minutes at the beginning of every hour on the hour. Over 20,000 lightbulbs go into the tower’s nightly illumination. This kind of display happened on the first day of the year 2000. It was meant to be temporary, but became a daily feature thanks to its immense popularity.
Hitler Almost Had It Demolished
In 1944, Adolf Hitler ordered the demolition of Paris so that it would not be made accessible to the French Allies. It would have been a valuable strategic asset for the enemy. Fortunately, the then commander in charge, General Dietrich von Choltitz, never obeyed this order, allowing it to survive the world war.
The Eiffel Tower Used to House a Fully Functioning Post Office
A post office is one of the businesses that thrived within the tower. Once considered Paris’ tiniest and most stunning post office, it allowed people to send mail anywhere on the planet. It was a favorite for its uniquely breathtaking Eiffel Tower postmark. “Libonis,” the first illustrated postcards in the country, were sold and sent from the post office on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor.
It’s Always Been Helpful in a Range of Scientific Experiments
The tower isn’t just an architectural marvel. When designing the artistic masterpiece, Gustave Eiffel and his engineering team weren’t only focused on the aesthetics. A range of scientific principles, particularly those revolving around wind resistance, led the team to ensure the landmark’s stability and durability. Because of that, it has provided guidance to various scientific experiments, including wireless communication experiments.
The Third Floor of the Tower Houses an Apartment
The Eiffel Tower houses an apartment-like spot on the third floor belonging to the building’s designer. While it featured a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room, Gustave mainly used the private space to welcome guests and conduct various scientific experiments. It included an office and a lounge where visitors, including icons like Thomas Edison, could sit and relax.
The Tower’s Height Changes with Weather Patterns
The puddled iron used to construct the tower responds to seasonal changes. Hotter days lead to increased volume, allowing it to expand, extending its height by about 6 inches. Similarly, colder temperatures, particularly in winter, cause it to contract a bit, sometimes returning to its usual height or shrinking further.
It’s One of the World’s Most Photographed Landmarks
Since its inception, the Eiffel Tower has welcomed over 250 million travelers, with 7 million visiting annually. That makes it one of the most visited paid monuments on the planet. So, it isn’t a surprise that it’s also among the world’s most photographed landmarks. Beyond its status as the City of Love and France’s symbol, the sweeping views, and historic significance, the tower’s romantic ambiance is a major draw.
