The Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable landmark in all of Paris, but most people in other parts of the world don’t know much about this historical structure. Here are six facts you may not have known about Le Tour Eiffel.
1. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889.
Gustav Eiffel and his company built it for that year’s World’s Fair.
2. It attracts more visitors than any other paid attraction in the world.
Over six million people visited the tower in 2012.
3. Until 1930, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world.
It was eventually surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City.
4. 121 men worked on the construction of the Eiffel Tower.
50 engineers produced the blueprints beforehand, and 100 iron workers also produced the 18,038 iron parts of the tower.
5. The tower is repainted every seven years.
Each time it is painted, it requires 60 metric tons of paint.
6. Over 250 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower since it was built.
There are 1,665 steps to the top of the tower. Though visitors may climb to its second floor, they may only access the third floor by elevator.
- Eiffel Tower [History]
- Eiffel Tower Fast Facts [CNN]
- Eiffel Tower in Paris [Paris Digest]
Equal Housing Opportunity