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Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, named after the French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, is one of the most famous structures in the world. It is the most visited monument in the world, where admission is charged. Estimates indicate that more than 6 million people visit it each year. It is also the tallest built structure in all of Paris. Stairs and elevators are available to allow access to the different levels of the Eiffel Tower. There are viewing platforms that allow a clear view of the surrounding area below the tower. It is now considered as an invaluable symbol representing the city of Paris.

It was built in 1887 for the Exposition Universelle, an exhibition celebrating the French Revolution. At first it was thought to be a very unusual structure, which led to it being built on its current location instead of in the city of Barcelona. When construction was originally completed, many complaints were raised regarding the tower. Some claimed that it was not pleasing to the eye due to its unusual appearance.

The strange design of the structure can be attributed to the wind resistance factor. Initially planned to be one of the tallest structures in the world, Eiffel and his engineering team took many precautions to ensure that the structure could withstand substantial amounts of wind resistance. Drawing on their previous experience as bridge designers, they developed a mathematical calculation in which wind resistance is an important part of the equation.

The tower was scheduled to be demolished in the early 20th century. However, it proved useful for communication purposes which led to the abandonment of that idea. The tower has been used since the 20th century for radio transmissions of different types. An underground radio center is located near the south pillar of the tower. It was used by the Paris Observatory as an antenna to exchange wireless signals.

There are two restaurants in the tower. One of which is the Altitude 95. It is located on the first floor of the tower. The Jules Verne is the other restaurant, which is located on the second floor. It is a gastronomy themed restaurant with several expensive dishes. A popular chef, Alain Ducasse, was hired to run the restaurant. Popular French cuisine can be sampled at these two restaurants. The upper platform of the tower has a bar and a souvenir shop. Gustave Eiffel’s former office was recently restored and is another of the tower’s attractions.

In the year 2000 several lights were added to the tower. There is a light show that takes place every night with these modern lights. There is also an ice skating rink installed on the first floor of the tower during the winter seasons.

Many strange events related to the tower have occurred. One such event was when a mountain climber scaled the tower in 1954. Another similar event occurred in 1984 when two Englishmen parachuted from the tower. Once, a journalist cycled down from the first level of the tower.