On March 31, the famous Parisian icon will celebrate its 125th anniversary since its grand opening at the Exposition Universelle in 1889. Despite many skeptics in its early years regarding its controversial modern form, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most recognizable world landmarks to visit. already more than 250 million people.
Almost two years they needed to be for the then competition on fair in honor of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution created an extraordinary exhibit. The first sketch complex mesh structures made of iron originally made engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, which later Gustave Eiffel upgraded and gave it its present appearance. According to some records, Eiffel believed even then that there would be a tower became a Parisian symbol of historical value. This was also indicated by the fact that they visited it before the end of the Exposition Universelle almost two million people. What 41 years, up to Chrysler Buildings in New York, but he held the title of tallest tower in the world.
According to the rules of the competition, the tower should be dizzyingly tall 324 meters, stood only 20 years, but the city authorities, after learning about its extraordinary pricelessness and at the same time a favorable position for installing telecommunication equipment on its top, decided to stay. The honey also escaped the demolition World War II, when the German order was thankfully not carried out.
Walk through glimpses of the history of the Eiffel Tower!
Since then, its own the most profitable attraction in hug Champ de Mars the Parisian city authorities regularly renew and adapt it according to the changing tourist needs. They are thus open to the public three platforms at 57, 115 and 276 meters, where three elevators lead. Two restaurants with traditional French cuisine are available to visitors Only 58 Tour Eiffel and prestigious Jules Verne and historical exhibition with stunning view at the very top, where we can also enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.
This year it has tour of the Eiffel Tower even more weight, because in addition to admiring the architectural excellence, romantic views of the vastness of Paris, lounging on the Champ de Mars and taking the obligatory photo from the Trocadero, we will be able to feel the magic of the 125-year-old story of a magnificent masterpiece that has become an unforgettable icon.
12 interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower:
1. Parisians also affectionately call it the corner "La dame de fer," which means "Iron Lady".
2. It is made of iron and weighs approx 10,000 tons.
3. It runs from the foot to the first floor over 300 steps.
5. Annually visits him almost seven million visitors, making it the most visited tourist attraction in the world.
6. At night, it illuminates it for 5 minutes every hour 20,000 glowing bulbs.
7. Despite its dizzying height, it is supposed to be resistant to movement in the wind, although at higher temperatures this increases from the usual few centimeters to as much as 18 centimeters. High temperatures they also affect the change in its height, which can deviate by up to 15 centimeters.
8. Every seven years it is necessary to apply approx 50 tones of color.
9. They created around the world many replicas, including the largest in Las Vegas and the oldest in Blackpool.
10. The first man who ascended on him, he was Prince of Wales, later known as King Edward VII.
11. Years 1925 they broadcast with the help of an antenna on its top the first public radio program.
12. Names 72 of the most important scientists, engineers and other prominent individuals were engraved on the foundations of the tower until the beginning of the 20th century, when they were repainted. Later on, there is an association of them Société Nouvelle d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SNTE) revived with restoration.
