Description
Eiffel Tower (the symbol of Paris)
The Eiffel Tower was originally built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (Universal Exhibition).
Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923) the Tour Eiffel faced a massive opposition from lots of Paris literary and artistic elite.
It was the world tallest building until 1931, at that time the New York Empire State Building was completed.
In 1909 the tower was almost torn down, but for the practical reason of being a good platform for transmitting antennas needed for the new science of radiotelegraphy, the Tour Eiffel was spared.
The tour Eiffel in figures:
- Height (including antenna) 320 meter.
- Expansion in height (due to temperature) app. 15 cm.
- Total weight app. 10,000 tons.
- 2.5 million rivets are used to hold the pieces together.
- 40 tons of paint is used every 4 years.
- First platform 57 meter (360 steps by stairs).
- Second platform 115 meter (719 steps by stairs).
- Third platform 275 meter (can hold 800 people at a time).
Opening hours:
09.30 to 23.00 (24.00 from July to September).
Stairs are open from 09,00 to 18.30 (21.00 app. May and June, 23.00 July and August).
Metro:
Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel / Bir Hakeim / Trocadero.