The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world and the main tourist place to visit if you travel to Paris. With more than 125 years of history, it is normal for there to be many anecdotes and curiosities. In this post I tell you the 20 most surprising curiosities of the Eiffel Tower and I add some travel tips so that you fall in love with it and get to know the not so famous places in Paris.
THE 20 CURIOSITIES OF THE EIFFEL TOWER
1. The Eiffel Tower was built to last 20 years
The Eiffel Tower was built for the Universal Exposition of the year 1889 that was held in Paris. The French wanted to build an impressive monument that would impress everyone who visited the city for the World's Fair. However, it was to be only a temporary monument and would be torn down after the exhibition. However, the Eiffel Tower was something that was really liked and by popular will the tower is still standing today.
2. It was a very quick build
Being a monument that was built exclusively for an exhibition and they were clear that they wanted to demolish it later, they designed a project that would take relatively little time to build. And it's kind of funny, since this monstrosity of a tower only took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to build.
If we compare it with another of the most popular places to visit in Paris, Nostre Dame, we realize that two years is nothing compared to the 180 years it took to finish the Cathedral.
3. Instead of the Tower they almost built a giant guillotine
To commemorate the centenary of the Revolution, several artists made proposals to create a monument that the whole world would remember for eternity. An artist presented a plan to make a giant guillotine, something a bit macabre when we think about it, since the monument was being built for the World's Fair. Although luckily, they finally chose the Eiffel Tower project.
4. Did you know that the Eiffel Tower is higher in summer?
This is a fact that surprised me quite a bit for not having fallen before, since it makes all the sense in the world. The Eiffel Tower is made of iron. In summer the iron dilates growing about 12 centimeters. While winter contracts shrinking about 6 centimeters.
5. It was the tallest building in the world twice
When the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889, it was the tallest building in the world. However, years later, in 1939, the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York was ranked as the tallest building in the world.
However, in 1957, an antenna was added to the Eiffel Tower, having a total of 324 meters, so it surpassed the Chrysler Building in New York, once again being the tallest building in the world.
Currently, with the number of skyscrapers around the world, this title has already gone down in history. And if we compare it with the tallest building in the world today, the Burj Khalifa located in Dubai, which measures 828 meters, the Eiffel Tower next to it would look very small.
6. Is the Eiffel Tower the tallest building in France?
We already know that the Eiffel Tower is no longer the tallest building in the world today, but is it the tallest building in France?
If we leave the antennas aside, the Eiffel Tower is the second tallest building in the country after the Millau Viaduct.
7. Franz Reichelt died testing his invention "the parachute"
This Czech inventor wanted to test a parachute that he invented, inspired by some plans by Leonardo da Vinco.
The French police authorized him to jump from the Eiffel Tower, although he was not responsible if the invention failed. The invention did not work and the inventor Franz Reichelt died instantly. It is one of the most macabre curiosities around the Eiffel Tower.
8. The Eiffel Tower is painted every 7 years
The Eiffel Tower is painted every 7 years and it is a process that can last between 12 and 15 months. 60 tons of paint are spent, specifically the color called "Eiffel Tower Brown" which has 3 shades. Starting with the darkest base and as it goes up, the color becomes lighter. And it is a process that is done by hand, with a brush by 25 painters.
9. The Eiffel Tower played a very important role in the First World War
During the Battle of the Marne, in World War I in the year 1914, signals were sent from the top of the Eiffel Tower in order to direct French troops to the front line. It was not only a strategic organization tactic to lead the troops but also served to wish the soldiers luck in the war.
Also during this first world war the Eiffel Tower had a military function. During the Battle of the Marne the Eiffel Tower helped the allied victory. The transmitters on the monument made it difficult for the Germans to communicate and impeded their advance.
10. How many steps does the Eiffel Tower have?
The Eiffel Tower has a total of 1665 steps. Although currently when you visit the Eiffel Tower you can go up by elevator, it is also possible to go up the stairs or down.
Another curious fact is that the elevators of the Eiffel Tower travel a combined distance of approximately 105,000 km per year. Two and a half times the circumference of the Earth.
11. A symbol of modern science
Gustave Eiffel considered that his work not only showed the art of modern engineering but also the century of science and industry that we are living in. As a sign of the importance of technological developments at the time, the tower was a model for taking photographs of the progress of its construction.
12. The Eiffel Tower is not just a tourist attraction
The Eiffel Tower throughout its history has not only been a tourist spot or a symbol of the World Exposition. It has also been the headquarters of post offices, the headquarters of a newspaper, has had scientific laboratories and even had a cinema.
13. The Eiffel Tower rivets
During the construction of the Eiffel Tower, there was a fear that the structure would not resist. For this reason, two and a half million rivets were placed. And although more than half of them were not strictly necessary, they were only added to strengthen security.
14. An office at the highest point
Gustave Eiffel built his own office at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Considering the height of the Tower from above you would have fantastic views of the city. Anyone is motivated to work with these views, right?
15. How many lights are needed to illuminate the Eiffel Tower?
Considering the magnitude of the monument it was obvious that many, many lights would be needed to illuminate it. The Eiffel Tower has 20,000 spotlights that are responsible for illuminating it at night.
It is one of the most beautiful shows and one of the best things to do in Paris at night. Do not miss it!
16. It is so famous that it has replicas on other continents
The Eiffel Tower has more than 30 replicas around the world. And although none has the same charm and the same magic, if you visit a place where one of its replicas is, you should go visit it. The most popular are in Tokyo and Las Vegas. Although you can also find them in Hangzhou (China), in Tennessee (United States), Sofia (Bulgaria)…
17. Worldwide recognition
The Eiffel Tower is a symbol not only of France but worldwide. In addition to being an important icon of French history and culture, the Eiffel Tower also honors 72 French scientists, engineers, and notable people. Their names are engraved at the base of the tower.
18. A woman married the Eiffel Tower
If you wanted to know a somewhat peculiar curiosity, this one takes first place. American Erika LaBrie visited the Tower in 2004 and fell in love with it. Their wedding took place 3 years later and she changed her name to Erika Eiffel. He took his story to heart and founded an organization for people who have relationships with inanimate objects.
19. It has a reconstructed part
The tip of the Eiffel Tower does not belong to the original construction. In 1902 the upper section was destroyed after being struck by lightning and had to be completely repaired.
20. The Eiffel Tower has an ice skating rink
In 2005 an ice skating rink was installed on the first floor. The rink measures 190 square meters and you can rent skates right there. It is a fun activity to do in Paris and in a unique place.
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