How Long Did It Take To Build The Eiffel Tower ?
Perhaps the most recognizable structure in the world is the Eiffel Tower located Paris, France. It was specifically constructed as the entrance gate into the World Fair that took place in the city in 1889. This fair was hosted to celebrate the centenary celebration of the French Revolution. Looking at the massive iron structure, people always want to know how long did it take to build the Eiffel Tower. It took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to build the tower, a feat that is truly remarkable considering that the builders did not have access to modern gadgets and tools that are present today. |
The tower is named after the builder and architect, who designed it. His name was Gustave Eiffel and his proposal for the tower was selected out of the seven hundred proposals that the city received. The design of the tower was conceived in the year 1884, but the construction started only after it was confirmed that Paris would be site for hosting the World Fair. The construction started in 1887; three after Eiffel designed the tower on paper. And, the construction finished on 31st March 1889.
A total of three hundred workers were used to construct the Eiffel Tower, which is made up of more than eighteen thousand puddle iron pieces joined together with around three million rivets. On completion, the height of the tower was 1,063 feet; and it was opened to the public on 6th May 1889.
Till the year 1930, Eiffel Tower was the tallest man made structure in the world. The title thereafter was taken by the Chrysler building in New York City. While the tower was immensely criticized by the art community, it was a major attraction. Nearly one million people visited it in the first year itself and today more than 6 million come from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the tower every year. It is estimated that from the time the tower was opened to public, it has attracted more than 200 million people.
People, who come to see the Eiffel Tower, can also climb it after paying an admission fee. They can take the lift to the first and second levels or climb the stairway. The third level of the tower, which houses an observation deck, can be accessed just by a lift. From the observation deck, the beautiful skyline of the city can be seen and if the day is windy, the visitors may also notice the tower swaying, which can be frightening and exhilarating at the same time.
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