Trifter

The Eiffel Tower’s home is in Paris, France.

It was begun in 1884 and finished in 1889, just in time for the International Exhibition of Paris in commemoration of the French Revolution.

700 designs were submitted in a competition and Gustave Eiffel’s was chosen.

But it was not accepted at first. A petition of 300 names protested the structure. Many thought the tower would be an eyesore in Paris and nature lovers thought it would interfere with the flight of birds.

With 7000 tons of metal one can envision the distress of many Parisians. It was the tallest building in the world until 1930.

Ironically, the Eiffel tower is now one of the most recgonized structures in the world. More than 200,000,000 have visited since the tower has opened.

The tower has three platforms, a restaurant and souvenir shops. The platforms can be accessed by stairs or elevators.  The stairs go to the second floor. There are almost 700 stairs to the top! Three elevators go to the first and sescond floors.  To get to the top of the tower, another elevator must be accessed.

The tower sways in the wind at least 2-3 inches.

From the very top of the tower is an amazing panoramaic view of Pars. Especially at sunset.

Image via Wikipedia