Eiffel Tower, The
Uploaded by knoxville on Oct 30, 2004
One of the best-known monuments of France is the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889. It was in commemoration of the century of the French Revolution. There were around 700 proposals submitted for the design of the building. Gustave Eiffel’s tower won unanimously.
The tower is over 300 meters high including its antenna. This height varies depending on temperature. There are 1652 steps to the top. It also contains 2.5 million rivets, 15,000 iron pieces, and 40 tons of paint. The structure sways up to 12 centimeters in high winds.
The Eiffel tower was built over a period of 2 years (1887-1889). It took 300 steel workers to construct. In 1909 the Tower was almost torn down, but saved because the antenna was used for telegraphy purposes at the time. The International Time Service, French Radio, and French T.V. have also made use of its stature.
The Eiffel Tower has 3 platforms. The first is a restaurant, which is extremely expensive and available by reservation only. The Jules Verne occupies the second level. The upper landing includes a gift shop, a bar, and the restored office of Gustave Eiffel.
In 1954 a mountaineer scaled the Eiffel Tower. 1984 brought 2 Englishmen to the top in order to parachute down. Finally in 1923 a journalist rode a bicycle down from the first level. Some stories say he rode down the stairs, while others suggest that he came down one of the legs, which slope outward.
The tower offers a wonderful view upon Paris. It is said that one hour before sunset the panorama is at its best and the sights are superb. It is obvious that the Eiffel Tower is a must stop place, and one of France’s most famous monuments.