When you hear the word Paris, what’s the first image that pops in your head? For some it may be a french baguette or a delicious macaroon, but for most it’s the famous architectural icon: the Eiffel Tower.
Today marks the 127th birthday of this free-standing Parisian Tower which welcomes nearly seven million visitors to Paris every year. In celebration of the Eiffel Tower’s birthday we’re sharing some interesting facts you may not have known about this famous landmark.
10 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Eiffel Tower
- The Eiffel Tower gets its name from the lead engineer and architect responsible for its design and construction, Gustave Eiffel.
- Gustave Eiffel had an apartment built for himself at the top of the Tower.
- The Eiffel Tower was never intended to be a permanent building. It was built for the 1889 Paris Exposition with plans to dismantle it after 20 years and remained in existence when it was repurposed as a radio antenna.
- During the Second World War, Adolf Hitler ordered the Tower to be demolished but the Military Governor of Paris at the time refused to comply.
- When Hitler visited Paris, the French cut the elevator cables on the Eiffel Tower so that if the Fuhrer wanted to reach the top he’d have to climb all 1665 steps.
- Every night the Eiffel Tower lights up with the strength of 20,000 light bulbs.
- The Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years, using 50-60 tonnes of paint.
- The Tower grows 6 inches in the summer as the higher temperatures cause the steel to expand.
- In 2008 a woman married the Eiffel Tower and changed her name to Erika La Tour Eiffel.
- The design of the Tower has been replicated all over the world from a half-scale replica in Las Vegas to the full-scale replica in Japan, the Tokyo Tower.
If this is a landmark you’ve always dreamt of seeing and you’re ready to take the leap, there are only a few more things you need to know to plan the perfect visit. The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year with hours varying on weekends and holidays. Tickets cost 17€ for adults, 14.5€ for youths (12-24) and 8€ for children 11 years old and under.
If you want some personal advice, buy your tickets online to save yourself from a long lineup on the day of your visit. You’ll likely still be waiting to take your ride to the top but you can save a lot of time by buying your tickets in advance.
Also make sure to put down the camera and take in the sights, the view from the top is truly breathtaking and best captured by your own eyes.
Have you been to Paris? Share your best tips and tricks with us!
