Interesting Facts About the Eiffel Tower You Probably Didn’t Know
The Eiffel Tower, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, standing tall as a symbol of France and architectural brilliance. There are several intriguing facts about the tower that many people don’t know, despite of more than a million visits at this iconic structure.
The Eiffel Tower is much more than just a beautiful structure, it is a treasure of rich history and countless facts. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or admiring it from afar, the Eiffel Tower continues to amaze and inspire people around the world!
Check out this list of some of the most interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower –
1. It was the Title of the World’s Tallest Structure Until 1930
When the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889, it became the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at an impressive 324 meters (1,063 feet). This title remained until 1930 when the Chrysler Building in the New York surpassed it at 319 meters (1,046 feet) without its spire. Despite losing the title, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the tallest and most visited structures globally.
2. The Eiffel Tower Was Expected To Be Demolished
The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be temporary installation. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle), it was supposed to stand for only 20 years before being dismantled. However, thanks to its usefulness as a radio transmission tower and its growing popularity, the structure was preserved and remains a beloved Parisian landmark today.
3. The Eiffel Tower Once Had a Unique Color
While today’s Eiffel Tower is painted in a sophisticated bronze shade known as “Eiffel Tower Brown,” it once displayed a very different shade. In the early 20th century, the tower was painted yellow! Over the years, it has gone through several color transformations, including reddish-brown and chestnut. The current color was introduced in 1968 to blend better with the Parisian skyline.
4. The Painting of Tower is Done Entirely by Hand
Given its massive size, you might assume that modern technology is used to repaint the Eiffel Tower, but that’s not the case. Every seven years, the tower undergoes a careful painting process that is done completely by hand. This ensures that every detail is covered and helps maintain the tower’s structural integrity. Approximately 60 tons of paint are used each time to prevent rust and keep the monument looking fresh.
5. There are 72 Names Engraved on the Tower
If you look closely at the base of the Eiffel Tower, you can notice the engraved names of 72 notable French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Gustave Eiffel wanted to pay tribute to the brilliant minds of his time, ensuring their contribution to science and industry would not be forgotten.
6. You Need To Climb 1,665 Steps to Reach the Top
If you love challenges, reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower by foot can be a good choice, but it’s not for the faint hearted! The tower has a total of 1,665 steps, though visitors are only allowed to climb up to the second floor (around 674 steps). To reach the very top, an elevator ride is required.
7. The Tower Has a Hidden Apartment
Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the tower’s design, secretly built a small private apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike the luxurious suites we see today, his apartment was modestly furnished with wooden cabinets and simple furniture. Eiffel used the space for scientific experiments and to entertain distinguished guests, including Thomas Edition. Today, you can catch a glimpse of the apartment’s interior through a glass window.
