The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, a symbol of Paris and French ingenuity. But beyond its stunning silhouette and romantic allure, this iron giant holds secrets and surprising facts that even frequent visitors might not know. Let’s uncover five amazing details about the Eiffel Tower that will make you see it in a whole new light.
1. It Was Supposed to Be Temporary
When Gustave Eiffel designed the tower for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was meant to stand for just 20 years before being dismantled. Many Parisians initially hated its bold, industrial look, calling it an eyesore. However, its usefulness as a radio transmission tower saved it from demolition. By the early 20th century, the French military and scientists realized its height made it perfect for wireless telegraphy and weather experiments, ensuring its survival.
2. The Tower Grows in the Summer
Made of iron, the Eiffel Tower expands and contracts with temperature changes. On hot summer days, the metal can expand by up to 6 inches (15 cm), making the tower slightly taller. Conversely, in winter, it shrinks back to its original height. This natural phenomenon is a testament to the precision of its engineering—despite the movement, the structure remains stable.
3. There’s a Secret Apartment at the Top
Gustave Eiffel included a private apartment for himself near the tower’s summit. It was a luxurious retreat with wooden furniture, velvet curtains, and even a grand piano. Eiffel used it to entertain famous guests, including Thomas Edison, who gifted him an early phonograph. Today, the apartment is open to the public as a museum exhibit, complete with wax figures of Eiffel and Edison.
4. The Eiffel Tower Was Almost Moved to Canada
In the 1960s, Montreal officials considered relocating the Eiffel Tower to Canada for Expo 67, a world’s fair celebrating the country’s centennial. The plan was to dismantle it and rebuild it in Montreal, but French authorities quickly rejected the idea. Instead, France loaned them a smaller replica, which still stands today as a tourist attraction.
5. It Was Once Sold… Twice!
In one of history’s most audacious scams, con artist Victor Lustig “sold” the Eiffel Tower—not once, but twice—in the 1920s. Posing as a government official, he convinced scrap metal dealers that the tower was being dismantled and auctioned off. The first buyer was too embarrassed to report the fraud, allowing Lustig to pull off the same trick again months later before fleeing to the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall is the Eiffel Tower? A: Originally 300 meters (984 feet), it now stands at 330 meters (1,083 feet) with antennas.
Q: How many people visit the Eiffel Tower each year? A: Nearly 7 million visitors climb or ride up the tower annually, making it one of the most-visited paid monuments in the world.
Q: Can you climb the stairs to the top? A: Yes! Visitors can climb 674 steps to the second floor, but the top level is only accessible by elevator.
Q: How often is the Eiffel Tower repainted? A: Every 7 years, using around 60 tons of paint to protect it from rust and maintain its iconic hue.
The Eiffel Tower is more than just a beautiful landmark—it’s a marvel of engineering, history, and even trickery. Next time you gaze at its iron lattice, remember these fascinating tidbits that make it even more extraordinary.