Eiffel Tower
From its base looking up,the Eiffel Tower like an upright pen attempting to write in the sky.Located on the Champs de Mars in Paris,this global cultural icon of France is one of the most recognised structures in the world.It was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel,whose company designed and built the tower in time for the centenary celebration of the French Revolution in 1889.The Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance arch to the Worlds Fair,and it was one of a number of designs entered as part of the competition.
The massive iron structure took more than two years to complete.Each one of the 18,038 iron pieces was designed separately to give it the exact shape necessary.All of its pieces were prefabricated and fit together.No drilling or shaping was done on site.If any of the parts did not fit,it was sent back to the factory for alteration.
The tower has three levels for visitors.The first and second levels can be reached by either stairs or a lift,whereas the third level can only be reached by lift.Over 300 steps separate each level.Both the first and second levels have restaurants.
The tower is approximately the height of an 81-storey building (320 meters).At the time of construction,it was the tallest structure in Paris,and it held the title of 'the tallest man-made structure in the world' for 41 years.
It is the most-visited paid monument in the world.Millions of people ascend it every year.But the amazing beauty of the tower is revealed only at night.The searchlights on top of the tower make it a beacon against the Parisian night sky.The tower also sparkles with the aid of 20,000 flash bulbs.
As a global landmark,the Eiffel Tower has been featured in films,video games and television shows.
