Discover the Fascinating History of the Eiffel Tower, One of the Seven Wonders of the World
Eiffel tower seven wonders of the world, Located in the heart of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and recognizable structures in the world. Standing at 324 meters tall, it has become a symbol of not just the city of Paris, but also of France itself.
The tower attracts millions of visitors every year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world. But beyond its stunning beauty and popularity, the Eiffel Tower holds a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. In this blog post, we will take a journey through time and discover the fascinating history of the Eiffel Tower as well as its significance as one of the seven wonders of the world.
History of the Eiffel Tower
The story of the Eiffel Tower begins with the 1889 World’s Fair, which was held in Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The French government wanted to showcase the country’s technological advancements and commissioned renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel to design a centerpiece for the fair. Eiffel, along with engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, came up with the idea of a 300-meter-tall iron tower that would be the tallest structure in the world at that time.
Early Plans and Controversy
Eiffel’s plans for the tower were met with mixed reactions from the public. Some saw it as a symbol of modernity and progress, while others criticized it for its unconventional design and feared that it would ruin the beauty of Paris. A group of artists and writers even wrote an open letter to protest against the construction of the tower, calling it a “useless and monstrous” structure. However, Eiffel and his team pressed on, and after two years of planning and obtaining necessary permits, construction of the tower finally began in 1887.
Construction and Inauguration
The Eiffel Tower was built using over 18,000 pieces of iron and 2.5 million rivets. It took a total of two years, two months, and five days to complete, with a team of over 300 workers involved in its construction. The tower’s unique design, with its lattice-work structure and curved arches, was a feat of engineering at that time. On March 31st, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was officially inaugurated, and it became an instant success among both locals and tourists.
Historical Events at the Eiffel Tower
Throughout its history, the Eiffel Tower has been the site of many significant events. One such event was the first radio transmission from the tower in 1898, which marked the beginning of modern telecommunications. During World War I, the tower played a crucial role in intercepting enemy radio signals, while in World War II, French Resistance fighters used it as a lookout point. The tower also witnessed numerous historical events, including the first ascent by a hot air balloon, the first parachute jump, and even a tightrope walk by famous acrobat Philippe Petit in 1974.
Eiffel tower seven wonders of the world
Beyond its rich history and mesmerizing beauty, the Eiffel Tower is full of interesting facts and figures that make it even more impressive. Here are some fascinating facts about the Eiffel Tower that you may not have known before:
- The tower weighs around 10,100 tons.
- The tower sways up to 7 centimeters in high winds.
- It takes around 60 tons of paint to cover the entire tower every seven years.
- There are three levels on the tower accessible to the public, with the top one being at an altitude of 276 meters.
- The Eiffel Tower has become a popular spot for marriage proposals, with an estimated 2,500 proposals every year.
Design and Construction of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower’s design is a testament to Gustave Eiffel’s engineering genius. The tower was divided into four massive legs, each one forming a perfect square, with two of them extending outwards at angles to support the other two. The legs were connected to each other by a series of arches, creating a lattice-work structure that provided strength and stability to the tower. The base of each leg also features ornate wrought-iron decorations, giving the tower an elegant touch.
Materials Used
The Eiffel Tower was constructed using over 18,000 individual iron pieces, held together by 2.5 million rivets. Initially, the tower was only supposed to be a temporary structure, and as a result, it was built using cheap puddle iron instead of structural steel. However, Eiffel’s team employed innovative techniques to make the iron pieces stronger and more resistant to wind and weather.
Construction Methods
Building such a massive structure in the late 19th century was no easy task. Eiffel and his team used a combination of traditional building methods and modern machinery to construct the tower. The workers used steam-powered cranes to lift materials to the different levels, while smaller cranes were used to hoist workers up and down. To secure the tower’s foundations, over 7,000 tons of concrete were poured into large trenches dug into the ground.
Significance of the Eiffel Tower as a Symbol of Paris
Today, the Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris and is undoubtedly the city’s most iconic landmark. It has become a global symbol of not just Paris but also of France and its rich culture and history. The tower’s unique design and sheer size have made it a symbol of modernity, progress, and technological advancements. It has also been featured prominently in many works of art and popular culture, further solidifying its significance as an emblem of Paris.
Light Shows and Illumination
One of the most remarkable features of the Eiffel Tower is its spectacular illumination. Every night, the tower lights up with over 20,000 sparkling bulbs, creating a breathtaking sight that can be seen from miles away. The light show lasts for five minutes every hour until 1 am, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Paris.
Eiffel Tower’s Place among the Seven Wonders of the World
In 2007, the New Seven Wonders of the World were announced, and the Eiffel Tower was included in the list, making it one of the most recognizable wonders of the modern world. The tower joined other iconic structures such as the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu, among others. Its inclusion in this list further cemented its status as one of the most significant and enduring architectural achievements in history.
The Other Six Wonders
The other six wonders of the world include Chichen Itza in Mexico, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Taj Mahal in India. Each of these structures holds immense historical and cultural significance and attracts millions of visitors every year. The inclusion of the Eiffel Tower in this list only serves to highlight its importance as a global icon.
How the Eiffel Tower Compares to Other Wonders
Compared to the other six wonders of the world, the Eiffel Tower is relatively young, having been built in the late 19th century. However, what makes it stand out is its unique design and purpose. Unlike the other wonders, the Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure but has stood the test of time and become a permanent fixture in Paris’s skyline.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower: Tips and Tricks
If you’re planning to visit the Eiffel Tower, here are some tips and tricks that will make your experience more enjoyable:
Book Tickets in Advance
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, which means it can get extremely crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid long queues and waiting times, it is best to book your tickets in advance. You can purchase them online or from any authorized ticket sellers in Paris.
Pick the Right Time
To truly appreciate the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, consider visiting it at different times of the day. Sunrise and sunset offer breathtaking views of the city from the top of the tower. If you want to see the tower sparkle at night, plan your visit after dark, when the light show takes place every hour.
Explore All Three Levels
While most visitors only go up to the second level of the tower, it is worth exploring all three levels to get a complete experience. The first level features a glass floor where you can walk on and look down at the ground below. The second level offers stunning views of Paris, while the third level, at the top of the tower, has a champagne bar and offers panoramic views of the city.
Famous Events and Occasions at the Eiffel Tower
Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has been the site of many famous events and occasions. Some of the notable ones include:
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Every year, the Eiffel Tower hosts an extravagant fireworks display to mark the beginning of a new year. Thousands of people gather at the base of the tower to watch the spectacular show and welcome the new year.
Light Shows for Special Occasions
In addition to its regular light show, the Eiffel Tower also puts on special light displays for occasions such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and other holidays. These shows feature different colors and patterns, adding a touch of magic to the already mesmerizing tower.
Weddings and Proposals
As mentioned earlier, the Eiffel Tower has become a popular spot for marriage proposals, with many couples choosing this iconic location to pop the question. Some have even had their weddings at the tower, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.
The Eiffel Tower in Popular Culture
The Eiffel Tower’s fame and cultural significance have made it a popular subject in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, books, and music. It has been featured in numerous films, including “A View to a Kill,” “Ratatouille,” and “The Devil Wears Prada.” It has also been referenced in countless songs and is often portrayed in popular culture as the ultimate symbol of romance and love.
Replicas and Inspired Structures
The Eiffel Tower’s popularity has inspired many replicas and structures around the world, both big and small. Some notable examples include the Tokyo Tower in Japan, the Blackpool Tower in England, and the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower in the United States. There are also miniature Eiffel Towers found in many countries, serving as a reminder of the original structure’s grandeur and beauty.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Eiffel Tower
Despite its immense popularity and historical significance, the Eiffel Tower has faced its fair share of challenges and controversies over the years. Here are some notable ones:
Initial Criticism and Resistance
As mentioned earlier, the Eiffel Tower was met with criticism and resistance from the public when it was first proposed. Many people felt that it was an eyesore and would ruin the beauty of Paris. However, as time passed, people grew to love and appreciate the tower, and it has become an integral part of the city’s identity.
War and Destruction
During World War I and II, the Eiffel Tower faced significant threats from bombings and structural damage. In WWI, a French pilot even flew his plane under the tower’s arches as a daredevil stunt. The tower also suffered damage during the liberation of Paris in 1944 but was quickly restored to its former glory after the war ended.
Future Plans for the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its structural integrity and improve the visitor experience. In 2019, a glass floor was added to the first level, allowing visitors to look down at the ground 57 meters below. There are also plans to renovate the elevators and install transparent barriers at the top level for better views. These efforts will ensure that the Eiffel Tower continues to stand tall and impress visitors for many more years to come.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a temporary structure for a world fair to becoming one of the most famous and beloved landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower has come a long way. Its rich history and cultural significance have made it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Paris. With its fascinating design, stunning views, and captivating light shows, the Eiffel Tower truly deserves its place among the seven wonders of the world. Whether you’re planning to visit it for the first time or have admired it from a distance, the Eiffel Tower never fails to leave a lasting impression on all those who lay their eyes upon it.
