What is the Eiffel Tower ?

The Eiffel Tower is mainly used for scientific experiments. It also attracts tourists who come to admire the view of Paris. When it was built, people called it the “metal asparagus” because it was too conspicuous, but it’s become the symbol of Paris and France.

But why was Eiffel Tower built?

The Eiffel Tower was the star of the Universal Exposition of 1889 in France. These expositions are organised in a different country each time and show extraordinary inventions. In 1889, it was held in Paris. For the occasion, the engineer Gustave Eiffel built the tallest tower in the world! After months of calculation and manufacturing of the metal parts, work began on 26 January 1886. 2 years, 2 months and 5 days later, the Eiffel Tower, an iron skeleton over 1000 feet high, overlooked the capital. A contract was signed in which Eiffel owned the tower for 20 years and thereafter it would belong to Paris. To make sure it wouldn’t be destroyed, the engineer proved its usefulness by carrying out scientific research. He set up a weather station still in use today. Later, the tower made the first successful radio and TV links. So the tower was saved! And even grew! Today, it’s 40 feet higher, that’s 1063 feet, with the radio and TV antennas on top.