Eiffel Tower | OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

What Is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower lit up in the evening showing its iron structure

The Eiffel Tower, called the Tour Eiffel in French, is a wrought-iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It was designed and built by the engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company for the 1889 World’s Fair, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Standing 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall, it is one of the most recognized structures on Earth. The tower has become the defining symbol of Paris and one of the most visited landmarks in the world.

How It Was Built

Construction of the Eiffel Tower began in January 1887 and took just over two years to complete. The tower is made of 18,000 individual iron parts held together by about 2.5 million rivets. Around 300 workers assembled the pieces on site, using innovative construction techniques that were ahead of their time. Despite its enormous size, the project was finished on time and under budget, which impressed people around the world.

Record-Breaking Height

When the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889, it became the tallest man-made structure in the world at 300 meters (984 feet). It held that record for 41 years until the Chrysler Building was completed in New York City in 1930. A broadcast antenna added to the top later brought the tower’s total height to 330 meters. The tower actually grows about 15 centimeters (6 inches) taller in summer because the iron expands when heated by the sun.

A Tower Almost Torn Down

The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure, meant to be dismantled after 20 years. Many Parisians initially disliked the tower, calling it an eyesore that ruined the city’s skyline. However, the tower proved valuable as a radio transmission tower, which saved it from being torn down. During World War I, it was used to intercept enemy radio communications, further proving its importance beyond just being a landmark.

Visiting the Tower

About 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year, making it the most visited paid monument in the world. Visitors can reach three different levels by elevator or by climbing 674 steps to the second floor. The views from the top stretch across Paris and, on clear days, extend up to 72 kilometers (45 miles) in every direction. Gustave Eiffel himself kept a private apartment at the very top, where he entertained famous guests including the inventor Thomas Edison.

Lights and Maintenance

Every evening, the Eiffel Tower is lit up with golden lights that make it glow against the Paris sky. After dark, 20,000 light bulbs flash and sparkle for five minutes at the start of every hour. Keeping the tower in good condition requires constant work, including a fresh coat of paint every seven years using about 60 tonnes of paint to prevent the iron from rusting. A team of painters works by hand to cover every part of the structure.

Why It Matters

The Eiffel Tower is a masterpiece of engineering that showed the world what iron construction could achieve. It inspired architects and engineers to think bigger and push the boundaries of building design. The tower also represents French culture, creativity, and the spirit of innovation that defined the late 1800s. Today, it remains one of the most photographed and beloved landmarks on the planet, attracting visitors from every corner of the globe.