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The Construction of the Eiffel Tower

Discover how the eiffel tower was built, eiffel tower.

Work began in January 26th, 1887 with the digging of the Tower's foundations, which were laid in four months.

Travaux de construction de la tour Eiffel - Poutrelles de base d'un pilier - Juillet 1887 by © Parisienne de photographie - Jacques Boyer / Roger-Viollet Eiffel Tower

The work started on July 1st, 1887 to end twenty-one months later.

All the elements were prepared in Eiffel’s factory in Levallois-Perret, on the outskirts of Paris. Each of the 18,000 pieces used to construct the Tower was specifically designed and calculated, traced out to an accuracy of a tenth of a millimetre and then put together to form new pieces, each measuring around five metres.

On site, a team of builders, who had worked on the great metal viaduct projects, was responsible for the 150 to 300 workers who assembled this gigantic Meccano set.

La tour Eiffel - Un poste de riveurs by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

All the metallic pieces on the Tower were fixed by rivet, this was a well known technique at the time of the construction.

First, the pieces were assembled on site using bolts, later to be replaced one by one with thermally assembled rivets, which contracted during cooling thus ensuring a very tight fit.

A team of four men was needed for each rivet assembled: one to heat it up, another to hold it in place, a third to shape the head and a fourth to beat it with a sledgehammer. Only a third of the 2,500,000 rivets used in the construction of the Tower were inserted directly on site.

The Tower is built with wooden scaffolds and small hoists directly fixed to the Tower. Image taken in January 1888.

A total of 12 temporary wooden scaffolds (30 m in height) and four larger scaffolds (45 m in height) were used to assemble the first floor.

Beginning of the second floor - June 1888

Above the second floor - September 1888

Above the middle floor - December 1888

Boulonnage du joint de deux arbalétriers (L'Exposition de Paris) by © Collection tour Eiffel Eiffel Tower

The journalist Emile Goudeau described the construction site at the beginning of 1889 accordingly: “A thick cloud of tar and coal smoke seized the throat, and we were deafened by the din of metal screaming beneath the hammer.  Over there, ..."

"... they were still working on the bolts: workmen with their iron bludgeons, perched on a ledge just a few centimetres wide, took turns at striking the bolts (these in fact were the rivets). One could have taken them for blacksmiths contentedly beating out a rhythm on an anvil in some village forge, except ..."

"... that these smiths were not striking up and down vertically, but horizontally, and as with each blow came a shower of sparks, these black figures, appearing larger than life against the background of the open sky, looked as if they were reaping lightning bolts in the clouds.”

La tour Eiffel prise du Champ-de-Mars - Exposition universelle de 1889 by © Parisienne de photographie - Neurdein / Roger-Viollet Eiffel Tower

It took just two years, two months and five days to build the Eiffel Tower. Construction work began in January 1887 and was finished on 31 March 1889.

A record speed considering the rudimentary means available at that time. The assembly of the Tower was a marvel of precision, as all the chroniclers of the period agreed.

On the narrow platform at the top, Gustave Eiffel was awarded the Légion d'Honneur.

The Tower's construction in a few figures: 18,038 metal parts ; 5,300 workshop drawings ; 50 engineers and draughtsmen ; 150 workers employed at the Levallois-Perret factory ; between 150 and 300 workers on the construction site ; 2,500,000 rivets ; 7,300 tonnes of iron ; 60 tonnes of paint.

The Eiffel Tower was now ready to receive its first visitors.

Conception—Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel

The Eiffel tower's inauguration and first visitors

The eiffel tower in 1900, the birth of the eiffel tower.

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The History and Construction of the Eiffel Tower

Sean Finelli Last Updated: November 17, 2022

Want to learn more about the Eiffel Tower? This article details the history and construction of the century+ old iconic Eiffel Tower.

When you’re done this article check out our page dedicated to the Eiffel Tower in Paris!

History & Construction of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower had a rather tedious start on paper. Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer and architect, began his career working for a railroad company and his first major work was The Bordeaux bridge. Basically a 1600 ft (500m) sheet Iron bridge that crossed the Garonne river at Bordeaux.

The bridge helped connect Paris to Bordeaux and was in use until it’s destruction in WWII. Gustave’s grandson rebuilt the bridge in 2012. From there he worked on many iron bridges, mainly for trains since he worked for a rail company.

Gustave Eiffel

His first big design work was teh Budapest-Nyugati station in Budapest, Hungary. The best part of this commission was that Eiffel was able to do this on his own books. He set up a company in Paris with Théophile Seyrig, another prominent architect, and started work on the train station which was built as a terminus for a line running from Vienna to Budapest.

The design was much more beautiful and innovative than any of his previous works. It was obvious that he wanted to infuse more metal into structures as he combined it with stone to form a captivating facade for the Budapest-Nyugati station.

Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel

In 1879, Eiffel dissolved his partnership with Seyrig and opened Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel . In 1881 he was contacted by Aguste Bartholdi who asked him to design the engineering side of the Statue of Liberty. He helped design a complex interior skeleton that ensured the statue would hold up under strong wind.

The greatest part is they completely built and erected the statue in France before dismantling it, shipping it to the New York and reassembling it.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower isn’t as easy as learning its history. There are long lines and lots of confusion. All our Eiffel Tower tours include admission and some even include a Seine River cruise with a glass of champagne!

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The Guys Behind the Guy

While Gustave got the name-credit for the Eiffel Tower, it was designed by two men engineers who worked for him; Émile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin.

Inspiration for the tower came from Latting Observatory. A pointy wooden structure that existed on 42nd between 5th & 6 avenue in NYC. It was constructed in 1853 for an industrial conference. It was lucky they saw it because it was partly dismantled before burning down three years later in 1856.

Eiffel saw the first drawing of the tower in 1884 but was unimpressed. He knew they were working on something as a pet project to win the bid for the World’s Fair in 1889 so he told them to make some improvements.

A few months later Eiffel presented the design at an art exhibition with mild acceptance. He began politicizing his tower in order to gain the favor of local and national government.

He recieved little traction until 1886 when Jules Grévy, then President of France, announced a competition for a metal structure to be the centerpeice for the World’s Fair. It appeared pretty obvious he was creating a competition geared towards Eiffel’s design to win.

Construction

Tower construction began on Champs de Mars on the 28th of January in 1887 and, for the world’s tallest and arguably most impressive structure, went very fast. Within 27 months the building was open and operational.

The construction was complex but simple. Four massive concrete slabs would support four limestone shoes that supports the entire tower. Each leg of the tower, four in total, joins together with arches to form a first, second and third observation deck.

It was designed to have elevators at on each leg to bring guests up to each level but also has a staircase going to the top. On the day of its inauguration, March 31st 1889, Eiffel took a group of governement officials and press into the tower.

Many stayed on the first and second level instead of climbing the 1665 steps to the top of the tower. Eiffel did so and brought a tricolour, national flag of France, to the top. It was raised to a 25 gun salute.

Let There Be Light

Paris is called the City of Light for a reason. That reason is not that the Eiffel Tower is lit up. The name was coined far before the construction of the tower. That said, the Eiffel Tower was not going to be the reason to stop calling Paris the city of lights.

Even when the tower was first built in 1889, it was decorated with thousands of gas-lights. Imagine the difficulty of illuminating the tower by lighting these gas lights.

In 1900 electric bulbs replaced the gas lights which enhanced the tower and were safer. Improvements were made throughout the 20th century until 1985 when 336 sodium-vapor lights were installed inside the tower. Unlike before, the tower was now the source of light instead of being lit up from it’s surroundings.

The system was created by Pierre Bideau and is still the system we see today. However, in 2000 over 20,000 sparkling bubbles were installed by a team of mountain climbers. They were first intended to be used temporarily but you can still see them today for 5 minutes every hour from sundown until 1am.

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About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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Tour Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower is an iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, it has become both a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; 7.1 million people ascended it in 2011. The third level observatory's upper platform is at 279.11 m the highest accessible to public in the European Union and the highest in Europe as long as the platform of the Ostankino Tower, at 360 m, remains closed as a result of the fire of August 2000. The tower received its 250 millionth visitor in 2010.

The tower stands 320 metres (1,050 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. However, because of the addition, in 1957, of the antenna atop the Eiffel Tower, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building. Not including broadcast antennas, it is the second-tallest structure in France, after the Millau Viaduct.

The tower has become the most prominent symbol of both Paris and France, often in the establishing shot of films set in the city.

The design of the Eiffel Tower was originated by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, two senior engineers who worked for the Compagnie des Etablissements Eiffel after discussion about a suitable centrepiece for the proposed 1889 Exposition Universelle, a World's Fair which would celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. In May 1884 Koechlin, working at his home, made an outline drawing of their scheme, described by him as "a great pylon, consisting of four lattice girders standing apart at the base and coming together at the top, joined together by metal trusses at regular intervals". Initially Eiffel himself showed little enthusiasm, but he did sanction further study of the project, and the two engineers then asked Stephen Sauvestre, the head of company's architectural department, to contribute to the design. Sauvestre added decorative arches to the base, a glass pavilion to the first level and other embellishments. This enhanced version gained Eiffel's support, and he bought the rights to the patent on the design which Koechlin, Nougier and Sauvestre had taken out, and the design was exhibited at the Exhibition of Decorative Arts in the autumn of 1884 under the company name. On 30 March 1885 Eiffel read a paper on the project to the Societe des Ingienieurs Civils: after discussing the technical problems and emphasising the practical uses of the tower, he finished his talk by saying that the tower would symbolise

Little happened until the beginning of 1886, when Jules Grevy was re-elected as President and Edouard Lockroy was appointed as Minister for Trade. A budget for the Exposition was passed and on 1 May Lockroy announced an alteration to the terms of the open competition which was being held for a centerpiece for the exposition, which effectively made the choice of Eiffel's design a foregone conclusion: all entries had to include a study for a 300 m (980 ft) four-sided metal tower on the Champ de Mars. On 12 May a commission was set up to examine Eiffel's scheme and its rivals and on 12 June it presented its decision, which was that all the proposals except Eiffel's were either impractical or insufficiently worked out. After some debate about the exact site for the tower, a contract was finally signed on 8 January 1887. This was signed by Eiffel acting in his own capacity rather than as the representative of his company, and granted him one and a half million francs toward the construction costs: less than a quarter of the estimated cost of six and a half million francs. Eiffel was to receive all income from the commercial exploitation of the tower during the exhibition and for the following twenty years. Eiffel later established a separate company to manage the tower, putting up half the necessary capital himself.

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The Construction of a Parisian Icon | Design & Architectural Style of Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. Named after its engineer and designer, Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World Fair.

The tower is 320 meters (1,050 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-story building. It became the tallest man-made structure globally during its construction, surpassing New York City's Chrysler Building by nearly 200 feet (61 m). Learn everything about this fascinating man-made architectural wonder of the world on this page.

Architecture & Design of the Eiffel Tower | Quick Overview

• Official Name: La Tour Eiffel
• Attraction Type: Tower
• Location: Champ de Mars, Paris
• Founded: Gustave Eiffel
• Area: 320 meters (length), 125 meters (width)
• Architectural Style: Modern
• Main Architects: Gustave Eiffel, Maurice Koechlin, Emile Nouguier, and Stephen Sauvestre

Architectural Highlights of the Eiffel Tower

Who designed the eiffel tower.

One of the world's greatest wonders, the Eiffel Tower, took only 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days to build. The engineers and architects who made it possible are:

Gustave Eiffel

Gustave Eiffel was a French civil engineer. Gustave Eiffel began his career as an engineer working on bridges for the French railway network. One of his most prominent works during this time was the Garabit Viaduct near Millau in southern France. His best-known work, however, might be the Eiffel Tower, which was designed by his company for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. He was also responsible for creating the metal framework for the Statue of Liberty. After his retirement, he focused on research in the fields of meteorology and aerodynamics.

Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin

Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin were two of Gustave Eiffel's chief engineers who played an important role in designing and constructing the Eiffel Tower. Koechlin was a graduate of the Zurich Polytechnikum and joined Eiffel's Compagnie des établissements Eiffel in 1879. A graduate of the École Polytechnique was employed by  Eiffel et Cie , which later became the  Compagnie des établissements Eiffel, in 1867. In 1887, the two engineers started working on the plans for the Eiffel Tower.

Stephen Sauvestre

Stephen Sauvestre was the architect who worked on the appearance of the Eiffel Tower. He was commissioned by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, who were concerned about its reception by the public. He added embellishments in the form of decorative arches on the base, the glass pavilion on the first level, and the cupola at the top. These embellishments made the tower look more impressive. It was these additions that convinced Eiffel, who was hesitant at the start, to go ahead with the project.

Eiffel Tower Architectural Style & Design

The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, marked a clear departure from the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, and Neo-Baroque styles that were prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. The inspiration for the design came from the Latting Observatory built in New York City in 1853.

The original sketch by Keochlin depicted the tower as "a great pylon, consisting of four lattice girders standing apart at the base and coming together at the top, joined together by metal trusses at regular intervals".

The tower is an open-lattice iron structure with four massive arched legs. It is set on masonry columns that curve inward and meet in a single, tapered tower. Each pier rests on four concrete slabs. The tower is made of 18,000 pieces accurate to a tenth of millimeters that has been joined together by 2,500,000 rivets. Each and every piece used in the tower was manufactured especially for it in Eiffel’s factory located at Levallois-Perret on the outskirts of Paris.

Stages of Construction of the Eiffel Tower

• As part of preparations for the 1889 World's Fair, the French government commissioned Gustave Eiffel and his partners to build an iron tower 300 meters high on the Champ de Mars. After considering 107 different proposals, Eiffel's design was accepted.
• The bridge was made of lattice work girders, separated at their bases and coming together at their tops, with more girders joining them at regular intervals.
• The two chief engineers in Eiffel's company, Emile Nouguier, and Maurice Koechlin, built a very tall tower in 1884; Gustave Eiffel registered a patent for the same in September 1884.
• The tower's construction began on July 1, 1887, and was completed twenty-two months later. All the pieces used to construct the Tower were specially designed and traced out a tenth of a millimeter and then assembled by a team of constructors who had worked on metal viaduct projects before and oversaw 150 to 300 workers on-site.
• The metal pieces were held together by rivets, a well-refined construction method. Only three-quarters of the 2,500,000 rivets used in its construction were inserted directly on-site. The tower was assembled using wooden scaffoldings and small steam cranes.
• It took five months to build the foundations and twenty-one to finish assembling the metal pieces. Construction began in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889.
• The primary material used to build the Eiffel Tower was puddle iron supplied from the Pompey forges, East of France. 7,300 metric tons of iron, 18,000 parts, and 2,500,000 rivets were used to construct the tower.
• The Eiffel Tower is 1024 feet tall without the antennas. The total width of the tower is 410 feet (on the ground). The width of each pillar is 82 feet (on the bottom), and the 4 pillars form 410 square feet sideways square. The first, second, and third floors stand 187 feet, 377 feet, and 906 feet from the ground.

The Structure of the Eiffel Tower, Paris

French engineer Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower to demonstrate that wrought iron could be as strong as stone while being lighter. The tower resembles the shape of a pyramid but with slightly curved sides. The four-sided tower is divided into four parts based on height: the lower part , between the floor and the first floor (57.63 m), the second part , between the first and second floor (115.73 m from the ground), the third, between the second and third floor (located at 276.13 m) and the fourth from the third to the top (324 m above ground). The first part is characterized by four distinct pillars, and from the second floor, these pillars merge into a single column that rises to the top.

There are 108 stories with 1,710 steps. However, visitors can only climb stairs to the first platform. There are two elevators—the first powered by hydraulics and the second by electricity. The tower weighs 10,000 tons and has 5 billion lights on it. The Eiffel Tower was one of the first examples of modern architecture because of its use of iron rather than stone or brick.

Highlights of the Eiffel Tower Architecture

Material Used

The material chosen to erect a tower 1,000 feet high was iron for many reasons; it was more realistic than a wooden or stone tower and reinforced concrete was not popular at the time. Puddled iron is created in blast furnaces, as a result of which excess carbon is removed. This process makes the iron more durable, and yet lighter and less rigid than steel. The metal framework alone weighs 7,300 tons. To extend the lifespan of the tower, it is painted every seven years.

Wind Resistant Design

While building such a tall structure, the engineers behind the tower were aware that the tower needed to be able to withstand wind. Eiffel used empirical methods to determine the effects of wind and graphical methods to calculate the strength of the tower. Keeping this in mind, the tower was designed to minimize wind resistance. However, when the winds are strong, the Eiffel Tower sways by up to 9 cm (3.5 in).

Lifts to the Top

Since the opening of the Eiffel Tower for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, visitors have been able to access the various levels of the tower by taking the lift. At the time, five hydraulic elevators went into operation. A decade later, this technology was modernized and has changed several times since. Two of the original lifts are still in service on the Eiffel Tower. It takes an average of 8 minutes and 50 seconds to complete a round trip and annually, they cover 103,000 kilometers.

Engraved Names

Along the frieze that runs along the four sides of the tower, you will find engravings of the names of 72 French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in recognition of their contributions to the building of the tower. Gustav wanted future visitors to view the names of those who were behind the creation of this important tower. At the beginning of the 20th century, the engravings were painted over, but they were restored in 1986–87. Unfortunately, not a single name belongs to a woman. Some popular names that appear here include Monge, Cuvier, Laplace, Ampère, Lavoisier, Gay-Lussac, Arago, Bichat, Daguerre, and Le Verrier.

Color of the Eiffel Tower

It takes several coats of paint to ensure that the Eiffel Tower is protected from oxidation. To this end, the tower has been repainted 19 times since its construction. Painters strip and clean the entire tower, then apply two coats of rust-proofing and the final coat of paint.

However, the conditions have to be just right for the repainting campaign to take place. The weather cannot be cold or wet, as both don't allow for the paint to hold well on the structure. When the weather is right, at an average of seven years, the tower gets repainted. Since the traditional methods are still in use, a lot of attention is paid to the safety of workers. The tower is fitted with safety nets and safety lines. Painters are equipped with harnesses to work on the Eiffel Tower's beams.

Over the years, during these repainting campaigns, the Eiffel Tower turned to various shades, from red-brown to yellow-ochre to chestnut brown and finally, bronze. The tower is slightly shaded off on the top so that the color is perceived to be the same throughout.

Puddle iron, the material used to build the Eiffel Tower, can last for an eternity, as long as it is repainted. However, it is affected by other factors such as rust, pollution, and bird droppings.

History of the Eiffel Tower's colors

• 1887/88 : Venetian red
• 1889 : Reddish-brown
• 1892 : Ochre brown
• 1899 : 5 shades from yellow-orange at the base to light yellow at the top
• 1907-1947 : Yellow-brown
• 1954-61 : Brownish-red
• 1968 - Now : Eiffel Tower Brown, applied in three shades, with the darkest at the bottom and the lightest at the top.

Eiffel Tower Riddled with Rust

Recent reports suggest that the Eiffel Tower is riddled with rust and in need of repairs. Ideally, about 30% of the tower needs to be stripped back to the metal, repaired, and then have two coats applied. However, the tower is instead going through a 60 million euro paint job ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The delays in the work caused due to the pandemic have made SETE, the company that oversees the tower, decide to treat only 5% of the tower.

Trocadéro Gardens

Experience the tranquility of splendid gardens, ornamental ponds, and fountains in Trocadéro, located opposite the River Seine. The garden provides excellent angles for the perfect photograph of the Eiffel Tower . You can also find an aquarium and an ice-skating rink on the premises. 

Created in 1937, the garden boasts its magnificent Warsaw Fountain, massive sculptures, and a central fountain with 20 water jets. You can experience a mesmerizing view of the fountains and the lights melting into your Parisian evening amidst some world-famous sculptures like the “Man” by Traverse and the “Woman” by Bacqué.

Eiffel Tower | An Architectural Wonder

The Eiffel Tower is one of the marvelous creations of man. The tower boasts every minute aspect of modernity and stands tall among the neo-gothic and baroque-styled architecture in Europe. The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors annually from across the globe due to its unique charm and fascinating architectural beauty.

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Frequently asked questions about the eiffel tower architecture.

The Eiffel Tower architecture was constructed in modern style.

Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower with help from engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two senior engineers working at Eiffel's company.

The Eiffel Tower architecture is famous because of its height and unique construction using puddle iron.

The Eiffel Tower was inspired by the Latting Observatory in New York.

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1887.

The Eiffel Tower is 137 years old.

There are three floors inside the Eiffel Tower comprising eateries, shops, and a champagne bar.

The exterior of the Eiffel Tower is made of wrought iron.

The Eiffel Tower is divided into three floors , consisting of some restaurants , shops, and a champagne bar, apart from observation decks that offer some of the best views of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is 1,050 feet tall with a width of 410 feet.

The Eiffel Tower is 1,050 feet tall and 410 feet in width.

The Eiffel Tower is made out of puddled iron.

Yes, the Trocadero Gardens is just across the tower.

Gabriel Davioud designed the Trocadero Gardens.

You can buy tickets to the Eiffel Tower online here.

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Eiffel Tower Architecture

Marvelous architecture of eiffel tower.

The Eiffel Tower is a world-renowned structure located in Paris, France, known for its stunning architecture and engineering design. The Eiffel tower Architecture is considered a masterpiece, designed by Gustave Eiffel and his team of engineers for the 1889 World fair.

The structure of the Eiffel Tower is composed of multiple levels, including three observation platforms, each offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding city. The foundation of the Eiffel Tower was built with over 7,000 tons of cement to support the weight of the iron structure. The design was also intended to withstand the strong winds that are common in the area, and its curved shape helps to reduce wind resistance.

Overall, the Architecture of the Eiffel Tower is considered an engineering marvel, and it continues to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world. Its unique and intricate design has made it an icon of French culture and an enduring symbol of human achievement.

Also Explore: Palace Of Versailles Tickets

Structure And Design Of Eiffel Tower

The Architecture of the Eiffel Tower is renowned for its unique and innovative design. The Eiffel tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer and entrepreneur, as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower architecture design was considered revolutionary during its time. It stands 324 meters tall, and at the time of the Eiffel Tower landscape & construction, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. The Eiffel tower's structure is composed of wrought iron, with a lattice-like framework that gives it a distinctive appearance. The lattice design not only provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also serves a functional purpose, allowing the tower to withstand the forces of wind and other environmental factors.

The tower is divided into three levels, view from Eiffel tower offers stunning sight of the surrounding city. The Eiffel Tower height levels are measured at the first level at a height of 57 meters, the second level at 115 meters, and the summit at 276 meters. The design of the Eiffel Tower was initially met with some criticism and opposition from Parisians, who felt that it was too modern and out of place in the city's historic landscape. However, over time, the tower has become one of the most beloved and recognizable landmarks in the world.

The Evolution Of The Eiffel Tower's Construction

The Eiffel Tower construction, an iconic symbol of Paris and a masterpiece of engineering spanned several stages from its inception to completion. Each phase was marked by innovative techniques and impressive milestones that contributed to the tower's enduring legacy.

1. Vision and Design: The idea for the Eiffel Tower was conceived as part of the preparations for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in Paris. Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two engineers from Gustave Eiffel's company, devised the initial design. The visionary architect Stephen Sauvestre later enhanced the plans by adding decorative arches and a glass pavilion at the top.

2. Foundation and Base: Construction began on January 28, 1887, with the excavation of the tower's foundation. Over 7,000 tons of concrete were poured to create a solid base that could support the immense weight of the tower. A network of steel anchors was embedded deep into the ground to stabilize the Eiffel Tower structure.

3. Assembling the Iron Framework: The most challenging and intricate phase of construction involved assembling the iron framework. Approximately 18,000 individual iron pieces, prefabricated in Eiffel's workshops, were transported to the site and meticulously connected. The lattice-like design provided both strength and flexibility to withstand winds and changes in temperature.

4. Reaching for the Sky: As the Eiffel Tower construction progressed, the tower began to soar higher, leaving spectators in awe. Skilled workers, often referred to as "iron climbers," risked their lives to ascend the tower and add new sections. The Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower's height is measured as 324 meters (1,063 feet) on March 31, 1889.

5. Finishing Touches and Inauguration: With the iron framework complete, the tower received its iconic brownish-red paint, now known as "Eiffel Tower Brown." The glass pavilion at the top, housing scientific instruments and a meteorological laboratory, was also installed. On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was officially inaugurated, welcoming visitors from around the world during the Exposition Universelle.

6. Enduring Legacy: Originally intended to stand for only 20 years, the Eiffel Tower quickly became an irreplaceable landmark. It survived attempts to dismantle it and eventually became an integral part of the Parisian skyline. The success and significance of engineering and the Eiffel Tower's architecture continue to inspire and attract millions of visitors to this day.

Architects And Engineers Of Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, the renowned French civil engineer and architect, was the driving force behind the architecture of Eiffel tower. His background in metalworking and construction made him the perfect candidate to design such an ambitious structure. Eiffel's architecture of the Eiffel Tower was based on his knowledge of wind resistance, which he gained through his previous work on bridges. His unique design employed a lattice of iron beams and rivets that created a structure both sturdy and lightweight. The tower's distinctive aesthetic was a product of Eiffel's attention to detail, as he paid meticulous attention to the tower's proportions and ornamentation. Today, the Eiffel Tower is a testament to Eiffel's architectural ingenuity and his innovative use of iron in construction.

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Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin were the two chief engineers who worked on the design of the Eiffel Tower. They were tasked with creating a structure that could withstand the harsh Parisian winds while also being aesthetically pleasing. They came up with the concept of a tower with four legs, which allowed for stability and the ability to support the tower's weight. Their innovative use of wrought iron and innovative structural design is what made the Eiffel Tower a revolutionary structure and an iconic landmark. The Eiffel Tower architecture design, which they helped create, has inspired countless architects and engineers around the world.

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Stephen Sauvestre was a French architect who played a crucial role in the design of the Eiffel Tower. His contribution was particularly significant in the tower's ornamental design, including the arches and curves that adorn its base. Sauvestre's design of the decorative elements was inspired by Art Nouveau, a popular style at the time, and his intricate ironwork patterns can still be seen on the tower today. His work on the Eiffel Tower is a testament to his creativity and innovation, as well as the lasting influence of Art Nouveau on architecture and design. The Eiffel Tower architecture design is a true masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

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FAQs For Eiffel Tower Architecture

When was the eiffel tower built and by who.

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by a team of engineers and architects led by Gustave Eiffel. The architecture of the Eiffel Tower was constructed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to showcase France's industrial prowess. The tower took two years to build and was initially intended to be a temporary structure, but its popularity as an attraction and its utility as a communication tower led to its permanent status.

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How long does it take to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower?

It takes around 8-15 minutes to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower , depending on which lift you take and the amount of people waiting in line. The lift journey is divided into two parts, with a changeover at the first level. Visitors can also choose to climb the stairs, which takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the second level and about an hour and a half to reach the summit.

What inspired the design of the Eiffel Tower?

Eiffel Tower architecture design was inspired by the Eiffel company's desire to create a structure that would be the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair. The company's chief architect, Stephen Sauvestre, was heavily influenced by the emerging field of aerodynamics and incorporated a latticework structure into the design that reduced wind resistance. The tower's iconic shape and lattice design not only made it a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of modernity and progress.

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How long was the Eiffel Tower the tallest structure in the world?

The Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France, held the title of the tallest structure in the world for 41 years. The Eiffel Tower was finally surpassed in height by the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930, which stood at 319 meters (1,046 feet) tall. However, the Eiffel Tower remains an iconic symbol of France and a beloved tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year to take in the breathtaking views of Paris from its observation decks.

How is the Eiffel Tower maintained?

The Eiffel Tower undergoes regular maintenance to ensure its safety and preserve its appearance. A team of specialized technicians performs inspections and repairs, replacing any worn or damaged components. They also clean the tower regularly using eco-friendly products to avoid damaging the structure. Additionally, the tower is repainted every seven years to protect it from corrosion caused by weather and pollution. The process requires 60 tons of paint and takes about 18 months to complete.

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How tall is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower stands at approximately 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall, including its antenna at the top. It is an iconic iron lattice structure located in Paris, France, and has been a symbol of the city and a renowned global landmark since its completion in 1889.

When was the Eiffel Tower built?

The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It stands in Paris, France, and was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel. The tower has since become an iconic symbol of France.

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What is the Eiffel Tower made of?

The Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France, is primarily made of iron. It was constructed using over 18,000 individual iron pieces, held together with more than 2.5 million rivets. The tower's iron framework provides stability and support for its iconic lattice structure, making it an engineering marvel and a symbol of French ingenuity.

Where is the Eiffel tower located in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France. It stands in the 7th arrondissement on the Champ de Mars, a large public greenspace, along the Seine River's left bank. The iconic landmark is a symbol of Paris and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.

What color is the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is typically painted in a shade of brownish-red colour known as "Eiffel Tower Brown." It was originally painted red when it was built in 1889, but the colour has evolved over time to its current hue, which helps to protect the metal from corrosion.

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SMARTBOX - Coffret Cadeau Accès au sommet de la tour Eiffel avec billet coupe-file et audio-guide pour 2 adultes - Sport & Aventure

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La tour Eiffel est une visite incontournable à Paris. Cette Dame de Fer ne cesse d’émerveiller avec la vue imprenable qu’elle offre sur la capitale et ses monuments emblématiques. L’accès au sommet est un privilège pour beaucoup de visiteurs. Vous en profiterez grâce à un ticket avec accès prioritaire pour 2 adultes et un audio-guide. Le sommet n’est pas seulement un simple observatoire. Vous y trouverez également une reconstitution du bureau de Gustave Eiffel, son architecte principal. Un bar à champagne ainsi qu’un restaurant étoilé, en plus d’autres endroits intéressants comme des boutiques de souvenirs vous attendent.Accès au sommet de la tour Eiffel avec billet coupe-file et audio-guide pour 2 adultes

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Oranienbaum (Lomonosov)

Still commonly known by its post-war name of Lomonosov, the estate at Oranienbaum is the oldest of the Imperial Palaces around St. Petersburg, and also the only one not to be captured by Nazi forces during the Great Patriotic War. Founded by Prince Menshikov, Peter the Great's closest adviser, the Grand Palace is one of the most opulent examples of Petrine architecture to have survived to the present, although until very recently the palace itself has been greatly neglected. After Menshikov's death, Oranienbaum passed to the state, and was used as a hospice until, in 1743, it was presented by Empress Elizabeth to her nephew, the future Peter III. Peter made Oranienbaum his official summer residence and transformed one corner of the park, ordering the construction of a "Joke" Castle and a small citadel manned by his Holstein guards. This peculiar ensemble, called Petershtadt, was mostly demolished during Pavel's reign. Antonio Rinaldi, the Italian-born architect who also designed the Grand Palace at Gatchina and the Marble Palace in St. Petersburg, was commissioned by Peter in 1758 to build a modest stone palace next to the fortress, and this has survived.

After Peter was deposed, Rinaldi was commissioned by Catherine the Great to build the Chinese Palace, in the Upper Park, as her official country residence. However, Catherine spent little time at Oranienbaum, which she had grown to hate during her marriage to Peter, and by the end of the 18 th century the estate had been turned into a Naval Cadet College. The palace became an Imperial residence again in the reign of Alexander I, and retained that status until the Revolution, when it was immediately opened as a museum. Although never captured by the Germans, Oranienbaum was bombarded during the war and, while the Grand Menshikov Palace survived intact, its restoration was given much lower priority than the more famous estates at Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo. Today, the small but elegant park has been almost completely restored, while the full restoration of the palaces has finally gained momentum over the last decade.

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