The Eiffel Tower is a structure that everyone across the world recognizes. Synonymous with France, a trip to Paris is not complete without visiting the architectural marvel. Here are a few crazy facts about the Effiel Tower. It is familiar but can be mysterious as well! There Are Secret Spaces We Don’t Know In Eiffel Tower and Other Famous Landmarks.
Why Eiffel Tower is famous?
The most visited site in Paris, Eiffel Tower, is famous because it was controversial at the time it was built – critics and audience had strong opinions towards its “crazy design” according to the standards of their time. It was built as a contemporary exhibition, but the Paris officials decided to keep it. It was also the tallest structure in the world for a period of time.
What is Special About Eiffel Tower?
1. Symbol of Celebration
What Is The Story Behind The Eiffel Tower?
This was built in 1889 to celebrate the French Revolution’s centennial. Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel climbed 1710 steps to the top of the tower and unfurled the French flag.
2. Gustave Eiffel didn’t design the Eiffel Tower
His company’s senior engineers – Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier designed the Iron Lady. Gustave Eiffel, however, put in the investment and bought the right to the patent.
3. Shades of Brown
Public Domain. ImageMarch 15 1889
The tower is painted in three different shades of brown – darkest on top and light on the bottom. This is done to correct the haze created by the atmosphere. When you do look up, the structure appears to be of a uniform color from top to bottom.
Earlier, the tower has been painted red and yellow hues as well.
In case you were wondering, it requires 60 tonnes of paint to coat the entire tower, and is repainted every seven years.
4. It grows!
The Eiffel gains 7 inches under the sun but shrinks back in the cold.
5. Temporary Structure Turned Permanent
Constructed for the Paris Exposition in 1889, it was meant to be the grand entrance and not a permanent feature of the Paris skyline. It was supposed to stand for 20 years and then dismantled in 1909. However, it provided a great radio antenna and that prevented it from being dismantled.
It was used to intercept enemy communication during World War and helped capture and execute Mata Hari.
6. Daredevil Stunts
Public Domain. ImageJuly 18 1887
It has been attracting reckless and adventurous human beings to do stunts. In 1912, Franz Reichelt, in an attempt to demonstrate a wearable parachute, jumped to his death. In 1926, Leon Collot crashed while trying to fly a plane beneath the first-floor arch.
7. Secret Apartment
The Eiffel Tower has a secret apartment where Gustave Eiffel played host to guests like Edison.
8. Staircase to Jewelry
Public Domain. ImageDecember 26 1888
In 1983, a metal staircase was taken out of the tower for security and safety reasons. This was cut into 20 pieces and auctioned off. One couple bought a piece and made jewelry out of it.
9. A Hitler Connection
When Hitler was about to lose Paris to the Allied, in 1944, he ordered the city to be demolished, including the Eiffel.
10. Illegality of Photographs: ‘Eiffel Tower at Night’
You could be fined for taking a photo of the tower at night and sharing it. The Illumination Show – in which the Tower lights up at night is “art” according to the French government and therefore, copyrighted.
In case you were wondering, it takes 20,000 light bulbs to make Paris’ landmark sparkle. The bulbs are switched on for five minutes, every hour on the hour.
11. Swaying in the Wind
The tower sways 6-7m in the wind. Anyone who has scaled the top of the tower can feel the movement.
12. The distance of Lifts
It lifts travel, combined, a distance of 103,000 km every year – 2.5 times the circumference of the Earth.
