The Eiffel Tower

The history of the Eiffel Tower is a fascinating piece of France's national heritage. For decades, it has stood as the symbol of both Paris and France itself. Interestingly, when Gustave Eiffel completed its construction in 1889, the tower was originally intended to be a temporary fixture in the Parisian skyline and was not initially beloved by Parisians. Let's explore the evolution and story of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

This beloved tourist destination has graced the Parisian skies for over 130 years now. Although it is now synonymous with France, it wasn't actually built to last forever. The pivotal moment in the tower's history was during the 1889 Universal Exposition. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, a competition was held to construct "an iron tower with a square base, 125 meters wide and 300 meters high" on the Champ-de-Mars. Out of 107 submissions, Gustave Eiffel's design was selected. He was joined by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, along with architect Stephen Sauvestre.

What many might not know is that the Eiffel Tower was initially met with criticism from some of Paris's most prominent artists and intellectuals, who considered it an eyesore. Yet, this iron marvel has stood the test of time, becoming a beacon of architectural brilliance and a must-see for travelers. Today, the Eiffel Tower is not just a monument but a testament to visionary engineering and a beloved part of Paris's cultural fabric.