Eiffel Tower of Paris

Today Eiffel Tower of Paris is considered an architectural wonder and attracts more visitors than any other paid tourist attraction in the world.

History

In 1889, Paris hosted aWorld Fair to mark the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. More than 100 artists submitted competing plans for a monument to be built on the Champ-de-Mars, located in central Paris, and serve as the exposition’s entrance. The commission was granted to Eiffel et Compagnie, a consulting and construction firm owned by the acclaimed bridge builder, architect and metals expert Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. While Eiffel himself often receives full credit for the monument that bears his name, it was one of his employee, a structural engineer named Maurice Koechlin, who came up with and fine-tuned concept.

Construction

Several hundred workers spent two years assembling the framework of the iconic lattice tower, which at its
inauguration in March 1889 stood nearly 1,000 feet high and was the tallest structure in the world.

Tourist attractions

About 7 million people annually visit the Eiffel Tower. Some 500 employees are responsible for its daily
operations, working in its restaurants, manning its elevators, ensuring its security and directing the eager
crowds flocking the tower’s platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the City of Lights. The beauty and harmony of the Eiffel Tower can be felt best at night. In the 19th century it was lit with 10,000 gas lanterns which illuminated the steel structure. They were completed with both the projector and lights of
blue, white and red colors to symbolize the national flag of France. According to some studies, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous and photographed landmark on the ground.

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