Posted on Jun 1, 2022 by Questo Team
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most widely visited monuments in Europe. It was the tallest structure in the world for 41 years after its construction. Many people think Gustave Eiffel designed the Tower. However, this is a misconception.
Research shows that Gustave provides resources and capital to streamline the project and make it a reality. Many artists protested to stop the building process during the construction because they thought the structure and engineering were against the rules or architecture.
Today, artists, engineers, architects, and other people consider the Eiffel Tower the masterpiece of modern-day architecture. The Tower symbolizes freedom, liberty, and integrity. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Paris to see the Tower.
There are numerous things to know about the Eiffel Tower. However, today's article will highlight some fun facts you didn't know before. Read on!
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Gustave Eiffel did not Design it
Although the French government named the Tower after Gustave Eiffel, a person whose company streamlined the entire project, Gustave himself had not designed it. So, if you think Gustave was behind the design of this iron structure, you are wrong.
Instead, two engineers, Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin worked for Gustave to design the iron structure. On the other hand, Gustave Eiffel is the person behind the design of the Statue of Liberty. Funny, right?
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Eiffel Tower Shrinks in the Winter
Do you know the Eiffel Tower shrinks during the winter season? Yes, this is true. Also known as the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower grows during the summer season and shrinks in the cold winter months. Isn't that funny and fascinating?
If you wonder what causes it to grow and shrink in summer and winter, respectively, let us tell you that thermal expansion causes the iron structure or metal to grow. Metal absorbs the heat, causing the Eiffel Tower to grow by 6.75 inches.
On the other hand, it shrinks during the winter due to thermal contraction caused by freezing weather. So, the Tower shrinks between six and seven inches, depending on the weather conditions.
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A Woman Married the Eiffel Tower
Another fun fact about the Eiffel Tower is that a woman named married the Tower. Although many people have fallen in love with the Iron Lady, this was unprecedented. After marrying the Eiffel Tower, the woman named herself Erika La Tour Eiffel. That's weird!
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The Magic of Light
The Eiffel Tower is one of the best attractions in the world, driving hundreds of thousands of people to relish the magic of light every evening. The Tower has more than 20,000 lightbulbs to make it sparkle and shiny for five minutes every hour at night.
In addition, the last sparkle show ends at 1:00 AM. The staff shuts off the lights to preserve energy and maintain eco-friendliness. It is pretty funny to see the Tower pitch black after 1:00 AM. Many people who go for a walk late at night will find it pretty interesting.
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Eiffel Tower was the Tallest Structure for 41 Years
The Eiffel Tower was the tallest manmade structure for 41 years until the construction of the Chrysler Building in 1930 in New York City. The Tower had held the title of the tallest building for 41 years.
In 1957, the French government attached an antenna to the Iron Lady that made the Tower higher than the Chrysler. Today, the height of the Eiffel Tower is 1,063 feet, making it the second tallest manmade structure in France.
Millau Viaduct is the tallest manmade structure in France. It is also the tallest bridge in the world, with a height of more than 1,125 feet. So, it is pretty fascinating to think how the Eiffel Tower competed with the Chrysler Building.
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Hitler Ordered the Demolition
Adolf Hitler, a fascist German leader, ordered his generals to demolish the Eiffel Tower during the second world war. There were many instances between 1919 and 1950 when people thought that the Eiffel Tower would experience destruction.
However, Hitler was the one who ordered the German Army to demolish the Tower after the American and British troops were causing the German forces to retreat. The exciting thing is that the generals present in Paris refused to destroy the Iron Landy. That's the reason the Tower stands tall today!
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Millions have Visited the Tower
Millions of people have visited the Eiffel Tower since its construction. The Tower has lifts or elevators that allow people to get to the top. The French government modifies and upgrades the lifts from time to time to ensure visitors' safety.
The government added communication equipment, such as TV broadcast and radio antennas, to the Tower after their emergence in the 1900s. People also come to this place to relish the beautiful lights and spotlights that charm the entire atmosphere, making it a must-see attraction in Paris.
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Eiffel Tower is not the Most Visited Place in France
Although the Eiffel Tower is one of France's most widely visited attractions, other places such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Disneyland, Palace of Versailles, and Louvre Museum have more visitors.
Research shows that the Palace of Versailles receives an average of eight million tourists every year. Likewise, 9.6 million people visit and explore the Louvre Museum, and 15 million tourists visit Disneyland.
Because the Eiffel Tower is a tall structure, people can see and appreciate it from afar. That's why it has fewer visitors than other Parisian landmarks and monuments. The Eiffel Tower has multiple platforms. The 57 meters first platform can carry 3,000 people, and the second platform, which is 115 meters high, can take 1,600 people. The Tower's summit can hold up to 400 people.
Final Words
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most magical and picturesque places to visit in Paris. Most people see the landmark in the evening and at night because the Golden Lighting illuminates the structures, providing people with mesmerizing and magical experiences. If you want to engage yourself while heading to the Eiffel Tower, we recommend using Questo, which lets you solve clues and find the best nearby places.
