Discover unique facts about the Eiffel Tower that reveal the history, secrets and interesting features of this legendary Parisian icon.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous icons in the world and a symbol of the city of Paris, France. Built for the World’s Fair in 1889, the tower has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world.
However, despite being seen in pictures and videos, there are still many interesting facts that are rarely known about this tower. Here are 10 unique facts that will reveal another side of the Eiffel Tower, which you may not have known.
1. There is a Secret Apartment at the Top of the Tower
One of the most interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower is the existence of a secret apartment at the top of the tower.
This apartment was originally built by Gustave Eiffel for himself. He designed this small residence to entertain famous guests such as inventor Thomas Edison. Although the apartment is no longer used by Eiffel today, it is now open to the public and available for tours.
Inside the apartment, visitors can see replicas of furniture that Eiffel once used. Exploring this historical site is one of the fascinating Things to do in Paris, offering a unique glimpse into the life of the iconic engineer.
2. Gustave Eiffel Was Not the One Who Designed the Tower
Gustave Eiffel is known as the name associated with the tower, but he was not the one who designed the tower.
Two engineers who worked for the Eiffel company, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, were the ones who drew the original design for the Eiffel Tower.
They worked with French architect Stephen Sauvestre, who helped refine the design for a contest held as part of the World’s Fair. However, Eiffel’s name remains the one that is known for his involvement in the project.
3. The Eiffel Tower Was Supposed to Be Tear Down After 20 Years
The Eiffel Tower was originally planned to be built as a temporary exhibit that would last only 20 years. Its main purpose was to showcase the technological and industrial advancements of France at the 1889 World’s Fair.
However, after Eiffel installed radio antennas and wireless telegraph transmitters on the tower, the government decided that the tower was too useful and important to destroy. Therefore, the Eiffel Tower still stands today and is one of the greatest icons in the world.
4. Adolf Hitler Ordered the Destruction of the Eiffel Tower
During World War II, when Germany occupied France, Adolf Hitler ordered the Eiffel Tower to be destroyed.
However, the order was never carried out. History records that although Germany attempted to destroy this symbol of French pride, their actions ultimately failed.
In retaliation, the French resistance fighters decided to cut the elevator cables in the tower. As a result, Nazi soldiers who wanted to raise their flag had to climb the steep stairs of the tower to reach the top.
5. The Eiffel Tower is a “Cousin” of the Statue of Liberty
It turns out that the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty are not too distantly related. Before designing the Eiffel Tower, the Eiffel Company was asked to design the Statue of Liberty, which became a symbol of freedom in the United States.
Engineer Maurice Koechlin, who also worked for the Eiffel Company, was responsible for the design of the Statue of Liberty.
Although the two projects were different, both are masterpieces that reflect the engineering and design skills of 19th-century France.
6. The Eiffel Tower Doubles as a Scientific Laboratory
Apart from being an iconic tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower also functions as a scientific laboratory.
Gustave Eiffel himself had a meteorological laboratory on the third floor of the tower. There, he conducted various experiments in physics and aerodynamics.
Eiffel even opened his laboratory to other scientists who wanted to do research. One of the experiments conducted was a study of air and wind flow, as well as an experiment to understand the effect of weather on iron structures.
7. The Eiffel Tower Can Move
Even though it looks very sturdy, the Eiffel Tower can actually move. Wind and temperature changes can cause the tower’s iron structure to sway or move.
When the weather is very bad, the tower can experience small movements due to strong winds. In addition, the heat from the sun can also affect the iron structure of the tower.
When exposed to sunlight, the iron on the tower expands and contracts up to 50 cm, showing how this large iron structure can adapt to changes in temperature and weather conditions.
8. It Takes a Lot of Paint to Maintain the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower requires very intensive maintenance to maintain its appearance and prevent damage to the iron materials used.
Every seven years, about 60 tons of paint are applied to the tower. Not only to beautify its appearance, the paint also functions to prevent corrosion or rust on iron.
With intensive routine maintenance, the Eiffel Tower remains standing strong and beautiful, becoming one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
9. There is a Military Bunker Under the Eiffel Tower
Under the south pillar of the Eiffel Tower is a secret military bunker. It was built as part of a defense system during World War II and is connected to the Ecole Militaire via an underground tunnel.
The bunker has now been converted into a small museum that tourists can visit. Inside, visitors can see historical artifacts and learn more about the Eiffel Tower’s role in World War II history.
10. Eiffel Tower Light: Aesthetic and Symbolic
The lights that illuminate the Eiffel Tower serve not only an aesthetic purpose, but also a deep symbolic meaning.
In 2000, to celebrate the Millennium, the tower was decorated with thousands of flashing lights that lit up every night for five minutes on the hour.
This was originally intended as a temporary feature for the celebration, but after it was so well received by the public, the city of Paris decided to make it permanent.
Today, the flashing lights have become one of the iconic symbols of Paris, often used at special events and celebrations.
The Eiffel Tower is not only an iconic monument in Paris, but also holds many interesting stories and historical facts that not many visitors know.
From the secret apartment that once belonged to Gustave Eiffel to the tower’s role as a scientific laboratory, every part of the tower holds a rich and meaningful story.
As one of the most famous Tourist Attractions in France, the Eiffel Tower continues to stand strong, inspiring millions of people who come to witness its beauty and understand the long journey it has traveled.
