Eiffel Tower

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Gustave Eiffel had a small, private apartment constructed for himself at the very top of the tower.

2. 2

   The tower's height can fluctuate by up to 15 centimeters due to thermal expansion during extreme summer heat.

3. 3

   It was originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years, but its utility for radio transmission saved it.

4. 4

   The four pillars are oriented toward the four cardinal points of the compass.

5. 5

   The iron pieces are held together by 2.5 million rivets, installed manually during the original construction.

6. 6

   During the winter, the tower shrinks by about 6 centimeters due to the cold.

7. 7

   The structure requires 1,665 steps to climb from the ground to the summit, though public access is via elevator and stairs.

8. 8

   The tower is owned by the City of Paris and operated by a public-private partnership.

Overview

The Eiffel Tower is a 330-meter puddled iron lattice tower constructed as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair. It consists of three levels accessible to the public, including two observation decks and a top-level summit. The structure weighs approximately 10,100 tons, with the metal framework alone accounting for 7,300 tons. It is repainted every seven years to prevent oxidation, requiring 60 tons of paint per application. Since 2000, the tower has featured a flashing beacon system that operates after dusk. The tower serves as a high-power radio and television transmitter, hosting over 120 antennas. It holds the title of the most-visited paid monument globally.

Insider tips

• Book tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues at the on-site ticket offices.

• Bring a light jacket, as temperatures are significantly lower and windier on the upper observation decks.

• Visit the lower levels on foot to see the complex ironwork up close before taking the elevator to the summit.