Eiffel Tower Facts You Should Know
Uncover top 10 facts about the Eiffel Tower, its original usage, its swaying in the wind, and so on. Let’s get into the details
The Eiffel Tower is a masterpiece of design and history that inspires the imagination of millions every year.
Whether you have been to the Iron Lady or would like to visit someday, here are ten amazing facts about it that will add depth to your appreciation of the wonder.
1. Originally Built as a World Fair Entrance
The Eiffel Tower was erected as a magnificent entrance arch for the 1889 World Fair in Paris; it symbolized France’s industrial muscle.
The tower was going to be disassembled but became a telecommunication tower, and today it is one of the world’s most loved tourist destinations.
2. Hidden Apartment at the Top
Did you know that there’s a secret apartment on the top?
Gustave Eiffel built a pretty room on the third floor, complete with wallpaper, wooden furniture, and even a piano.
Eiffel used it to entertain VIP guests, including Thomas Edison in 1889.
The apartment is preserved today, and special tours can be arranged inside.
3. The Eiffel Tower Changes Height with the Seasons
Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower expands and contracts with the weather!
When the sun shines upon it on a warm summer day, thermal expansion can make the tower “grow” up to 15 centimeters (6 inches).
Similarly, it contracts back to a similar length in winter.
The temperature resistance of this tower is simply amazing and inspiring.
4. A color-changing Eiffel Tower
Originally painted Venetian red, the Eiffel Tower donned yellow-brown, chestnut brown, and many other colors over the years.
In 1968 it was painted in its three-tone bronze signature for a gradient effect, and recently, a yellow-brown hue for the 2024 Olympics.
5. 72 Scientists names are Engraved on it
Over the first balcony, 72 names are inscribed on the four sides of the tower.
The persons whose names are inscribed over there are French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who are great and renowned in France.
The inscriptions depict how Eiffel wanted to pay respect to science and innovation even in an era when the tower received criticism at first.
6. It takes 20, 000 light bulbs to illuminate the Eiffel Tower
Since 1985, the Eiffel Tower has twinkled with 20,000 lights that light up for five minutes every hour after the sun goes down.
Each of the tower’s four sides is lined with 5,000 lights; this famous glitter is also eco-friendly as the second-floor wind turbines generate most of the energy requirements
7. The Tower Once Fell Victim to a Con Artist
In 1925, a scam artist named Victor Lustig sold the Eiffel Tower to a scrap metal dealer, convincing him that it was going to be dismantled.
Lustig’s scam was so elaborate he even held fake government meetings to seal the deal.
The embarrassed dealer never reported the scam.
8. The Tower Sways in Strong Winds
Although well-constructed, the Eiffel Tower sways up to 12 centimeters or 4.7 inches during strong winds.
Its flexible lattice structure allows for the effective distribution of wind pressures.
Although this swaying is noticeable, it is safe and part of the tower’s resilient design.
9. The Eiffel is the World’s Most Visited Paid Monument
The Eiffel Tower is the world’s most paid monument with approximately 7 million annual visitors.
Since its opening, this monument has welcomed over 300 million people who flocked in to enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Needless to say, it is a must-see attraction for travelers looking to experience a little bit of Parisian magic.
10. There are restrictions on Nighttime Photography
That is one dramatic nighttime view of the Eiffel Tower, isn’t it?
Well, surprise! The EU law holds night photographs of the Eiffel Tower to be copyrighted due to Pierre Bideau’s design of light.
Although tourists are allowed to take personal photos, their commercial usage requires special permission, making Eiffel a one-of-a-kind protected piece of public art.
This concludes our list of top Eiffel Tower Facts you should know. Comment below and let me know how you find it, and what I missed. Also, if you plan to visit Paris this season, consider exploring these attractions through our tickets, as we ensure that you always get the most affordable and amazing tickets, and 25 percent of our profits go to animal welfare.
