10 Fascinating Facts You Didn't Know About the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, a Parisian icon reaching for the clouds, is more than just a beautiful landmark. It's a monument steeped in history and surprising quirks. So, before you book your Eiffel Tower tickets and head up to marvel at the City of Lights, brush up on these ten fascinating facts:
Temporary Wonder: Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair and initially intended to be dismantled after 20 years! Thankfully, its role as a crucial radio transmitter saved it from demolition.
Not Quite Eiffel's Design: While Gustave Eiffel gets the credit, the tower's design was actually a collaborative effort by his engineers, Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin. Architect Stephen Sauvestre was later brought on board to soften the initial industrial look.
Hated by Some, Loved by Most: Parisians weren't always enamored with the Eiffel Tower. Many prominent artists of the day found its design to be an eyesore. Thankfully, public opinion shifted, and the tower became a beloved symbol of France.
Scientific Contributor: The Eiffel Tower wasn't just for show. It housed a scientific laboratory in its early years, where experiments in meteorology and aerodynamics were conducted.
Icy Surprise: Did you know there's an Eiffel Tower restaurant with an ice rink? Located on the first floor, it's a unique place to enjoy a meal and glide around on the ice, all while taking in the Parisian panorama.
Sun-Kissed to Golden: The Eiffel Tower's color has changed throughout history. Originally a reddish-brown, it's sported yellow and brown hues as well. Today, it boasts a special "Eiffel Tower Brown," with three slightly lighter tones used from base to summit. This creates a stunning visual effect against the sky.
Brush Up for Beauty: Every seven years, a team of skilled painters meticulously hand-paints the entire Eiffel Tower, using a whopping 60 tons of paint!
Lights, Camera... Maybe Not?: While capturing stunning Eiffel Tower photos during the day is encouraged, photographing the illuminated Eiffel Tower at night can be a legal gray area. The copyright on the light display belongs to the company that created it, so be sure to check the legalities before snapping nighttime pics.
Sharing the Spotlight: The Eiffel Tower isn't alone in the world. There are numerous replicas around the globe, from Tokyo to Las Vegas, all paying homage to this Parisian giant.
A Love for Iron: In a truly bizarre twist, a man named Erika La Tour legally married the Eiffel Tower in 2007, in a symbolic ceremony to express his love for the monument.
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