Eiffel Tower Facts

Out of all the interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower, this one is peculiar that the Eiffel Tower changes in size when it's very hot or very cold outside. When it's hot, the tower can grow up to 6 inches, and when it's cold, it can shrink a bit. Wind can also make the tower move a little, but it's built to be strong and can handle strong winds.

You Should Also Check: Eiffel Tower Top Floor Tickets

The Eiffel Tower can move a little bit because it is built to be flexible which is one of the most fun facts about the Eiffel Tower. When it's very windy, it can move up to 3 inches, but people won't really notice it. This movement doesn't make the tower unsafe or unstable. The way the tower is built allows it to stay strong even when the weather is bad.

Also Check: Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower View

Another one of the fun facts about the Eiffel Tower is it has a secret apartment located on the third level. It was built by Gustave Eiffel as a private retreat and office space for himself. The apartment is furnished with antique furniture and features a small kitchen and bathroom. Although the apartment is not open to the public, it has been preserved as a museum and can be viewed by special invitation only.

Read More: Eiffel Tower Architecture

The Eiffel Tower was initially designed to be a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair, with plans to demolish it after 20 years. However, due to its usefulness as a radio tower and growing popularity as a tourist attraction, it was saved from demolition. The tower was strengthened in the 20th century to withstand high winds and has become a beloved symbol of Paris and France, attracting millions of visitors every year.

You Can Also Checkout: View from Eiffel Tower

Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has been painted in a variety of colors. When it was first built, it was painted red. Later, it was painted ochre and yellow, and then a shade of brown. In 1968, the tower was painted its current color, a light grayish-brown known as "Eiffel Tower Brown." Today, the tower is repainted every seven years, using over 60 tons of paint, to keep its iconic color looking fresh and vibrant.

You Can Also Check: Eiffel Tower Christmas

The Eiffel Tower sparkles at night with the help of 20,000 light bulbs. The sparkling effect, which occurs for five minutes every hour after sunset, was first introduced in 1985 to celebrate the tower's 100th anniversary. Today, the twinkling lights have become a beloved tradition, attracting crowds of visitors who gather to see the tower come alive with glittering lights. The Eiffel Tower light show are energy-efficient and use LED bulbs to create a stunning display.

Checkout More: Eiffel Tower Inside

One of the Eiffel Tower facts is that it was the tallest structure in the world for over 40 years, until the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of France, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire its towering height and stunning architecture.

Also Check: Places to Visit near Eiffel Tower

One interesting Eiffel Tower fact is that it houses a post office. The post office is located on the first floor and is open every day of the week. Visitors can buy postcards and stamps, and mail them to their loved ones from the iconic tower. This unique feature allows visitors to send a one-of-a-kind postcard that was mailed from inside one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

Also Read: Eiffel Tower Tips

An interesting and quirky fact about the Eiffel Tower is that it is "married." In 2008, a woman named Erika Eiffel, who identifies as an object sexual, or someone who is attracted to inanimate objects, held a commitment ceremony with the Eiffel Tower. While this may seem odd to some, it is an example of the deep emotional connections that some individuals can form with objects that hold a special meaning to them.

Book Now: Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets

During World War II, Adolf Hitler ordered the demolition of the Eiffel Tower, but his command was never carried out. The tower's usefulness as a radio transmitter and its iconic status likely played a role in its preservation. During the war, the tower was closed to the public and used as a military observation post. After the war, it was reopened and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

You Can Also Check: Eiffel Tower History

During the early 20th century, the Eiffel Tower stood as a cradle of innovation. In 1914, during the outbreak of World War I, this iconic structure played an unexpected role in shaping history. As German forces advanced towards Paris, a brilliant maneuver was orchestrated. The tower's ingenious radio transmitter jammed enemy communications, tilting the scales in favour of the Allies during the decisive First Battle of the Marne. The French troops' mastery of the tower's wireless station enabled them to intercept vital enemy signals from Berlin, contributing significantly to their triumph. The Eiffel Tower emerged as an instrumental ally in the war's tide-turning moments.

Originally envisioned as a temporary spectacle for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower faced the threat of dismantlement once the event concluded. However, its destiny took a transformative turn when it was repurposed as a wireless telegraph station. The tower's strategic significance as a communication hub, facilitating long-distance transmissions, secured its survival. As wireless technology advanced, its importance grew, and the once-temporary iron structure evolved into an enduring symbol of innovation and engineering prowess, captivating hearts and minds worldwide for generations to come.