Eiffel Tower

The symbol of the age of iron

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World's Fair and was supposed to be torn down after 20 years! But it proved useful as a radio antenna. The tower is made of 18,000 iron parts held by 2.5 million rivets. In summer heat it grows 15 cm taller! Every 7 years it's painted with 60 tonnes of paint.

The Eiffel Tower (1887–1889, engineer Gustave Eiffel) was built in 2 years and 2 months for the World's Fair marking the centenary of the French Revolution. At 330 m (with antenna) it was the world's tallest structure until 1930. 7,300 t of puddled iron, 18,038 parts, 2.5 million rivets. Artists and writers (Maupassant) protested, calling it 'ugly'. It was due for demolition in 1909 but was kept as a radiotelegraph antenna; in 1914 it intercepted German radio messages during the Battle of the Marne. Every 7 years it gets 60 t of paint in three shades (darker at the bottom). It sways 12 cm in wind and grows 15 cm in heat. With 6–7 million visitors a year it is the most-visited paid monument in the world.

Fun facts

• In summer the tower 'grows' 15 cm — iron expands in heat.
• The writer Maupassant ate lunch in the tower's restaurant — 'the only place in Paris where you can't see it'.
• The tower was due to be demolished in 1909 — radio saved it.