While it is still the tallest building Paris, its world's-tallest status was taken away by the Chrysler Building in New York City, the U.S. in 1930.
five interesting facts about the famous Eiffel Tower
This week, we list five interesting facts about the famous Eiffel TowerThe Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, is a wrought-iron tower named after Gustave Eiffel, the man whose company designed and built the tower. The Tower is nicknamed the Iron Lady as it is made with over 18,000 pieces of iron bolted together by millions of rivets. The Eiffel Tower was constructed between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, which showcased cutting-edge inventions, art, and architecture from around the world.
When it was built, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest manmade structure in the world, standing at a height of approximately 1,020 feet. While it is still the tallest building Paris, its world's-tallest status was taken away by the Chrysler Building in New York City, the U.S. in 1930.
The Tower has three levels for visitors - shops, restaurants and an observation-deck. Visitors can take the lift to each level or climb the 1,665 steps to the top level. Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited paid-for monuments in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
1. Not everyone wanted it A 300-member committee, led by author Guy de Maupassant and several other artists and intellectuals, protested the construction of the Eiffel Tower and sent a signed petition against it to the Paris government. The committee had members who believe that it was not feasible to build such a huge tower, while some others objected to the Tower on artistic grounds. Their pleas, however, fell on deaf ears.
2. A hidden apartment?
Gustave Eiffel built a small apartment for himself at the top level of the Tower. Complete with plush rugs, oil paintings and a grand piano. only a few VIPs were allowed to visit Eiffel's pad. One of his many visitors was scientist Thomas Edison, who presented Eiffel with one of his phonographs (later known as a gramophone). The apartment remained unused since the 1920s, after Eiffel's death. It was opened for public viewing in 2015.
3. Twenty years too much
The Eiffel Tower was to stand only for 20 years, post which it was to be dismantled by the City of Paris. However, the government recognised the Tower's use as a wireless telegraph transmitter and its use in wars, and decided to let the Tower stand. The Eiffel Tower went on to play a crucial role during World War I. when the French military used its radio and telegraph center to communicate with ground troops and battleships. It also helped the military intercept enemy messages,
4. Becoming environment friendly
In 2015, the Tower was given an environmentally-friendly makeover when two wind turbines were installed on the second level of the structure. These turbines are used to convert wind energy into electrical energy which is used to power the Tower's shops and restaurants. Engineers also set up a system to collect and funnel rainwater into the toilets in the Tower.
5. Covered in paint
When the Eiffel Tower was built, the original structure was dark red in colour. In 1899, it was painted yellow, and about 50 years ago, it was painted bronze. Today, the Tower gets a coat of paint every seven years. About 60 tonnes of paint is required to freshen the monument. And with all the coats of paint it has received over the years, the Eiffel Tower is covered in nearly 16.000 gallons of paint!
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