Eiffel
Eiffel is most commonly recognized as the name of the iconic Eiffel Tower, which is a landmark in Paris, France. Here are some detailed facts about the Eiffel Tower:
- Construction: The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and his company for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was constructed between 1887 and 1889.
- Height: Originally, the tower stood at 300 meters tall, which was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time. With the addition of an antenna, its height was increased to 324 meters.
- Design: The tower was designed in an open-lattice iron structure, which was a pioneering use of wrought iron. The design was influenced by the need for a structure that could withstand wind forces.
- Materials: Approximately 18,038 pieces of iron were used in its construction, held together by 2.5 million rivets. The total weight of the tower is 10,100 tons.
- Public Opinion: Initially, the Eiffel Tower was met with widespread criticism from the artistic and literary community, who deemed it an eyesore. Over time, however, it became a beloved symbol of French innovation and architectural prowess.
- Usage: Today, the Eiffel Tower serves as a major tourist attraction, with millions of visitors annually. It also hosts various events, including light shows, and has multiple restaurants, including the famous Le Jules Verne located on the second floor.
- Engineering: The Eiffel Tower was designed to be easily disassembled, reflecting the temporary nature of the World's Fair structures. However, it proved to be so popular that it was never taken down.
For further reading and detailed historical context, you can visit the following external sources:
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