The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in the world – if not the most iconic. It stands tall over Paris, France, and is a symbol of French culture and history.
It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing roughly seven million visitors every year from all over the globe! But have you ever wondered exactly where it is located? Let’s explore its location and learn more about its history.
Table of Contents
- History
- Why was the Eiffel Tower built?
- Not just any Old Iron
- What is it used for today?
- Location: Where is the Eiffel Tower?
- Eiffel Tower Tickets: An overview
- Interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower
- Attractions Near the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Arc de Triomphe
- Trocadéro Gardens
- Avenue des Champs-Élysées
- Paris Museum of Modern Art
- National Marine Museum
- Les Invalides
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- Did the French build the Eiffel Tower?
- What do the French call the Eiffel Tower?
- Why is the Eiffel Tower so famous?
History
The Eiffel Tower was designed by architect Gustave Eiffel as a temporary structure to commemorate the centennial celebration of the French Revolution. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889, with construction completed on March 31st, 1889.
In just two years, this landmark was erected at a total cost of 7.8 million francs (the equivalent of $2 billion today).
Why was the Eiffel Tower built?
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the International Exposition, which was a “World’s Fair” type event held in Paris that year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The intention was to create a monument that would be a symbol of progress in engineering and architecture, while also bringing people from around the world together in celebration.
Gustave Eiffel and his team designed and constructed what is now known as one of the most iconic structures ever created — an iron lattice tower that stands more than 300 meters tall (the equivalent of 984 feet). To build it, they used more than 18,000 pieces of wrought iron beams connected with 2.5 million rivets! It took them two years to complete the project, with construction concluding just before the Expo opened its doors on May 6th, 1889.
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Not just any Old Iron
At first glance, it may seem like an odd decision to build such a massive, intricate, decorative structure out of iron — but there were some compelling reasons for doing so. One was that iron allowed for greater structural stability than other materials available at the time; another was that because it wasn’t as heavy as stone or concrete, it allowed for taller buildings without putting too much strain on their foundations.
Next, since wrought iron had been used successfully for bridges throughout Europe for centuries prior to this project, Gustave Eiffel felt confident that he could pull off such a monumental task using this material— and he did!
Lastly, it was also a savvy marketing decision. Eagerness to prove the ease of construction and durability of his wrought iron lattice to promote his construction business were perhaps the largest inspiration for this mighty metal marvel.
But beyond practical considerations, there were also cultural implications to consider when designing and constructing such an iconic structure — namely how would it be received by people around the world? The answer to this question came when thousands of visitors flocked to see it during its opening ceremony; not only did they marvel at its sheer size but they also admired its intricate design features (like its four crisscrossing arches). The tower was a hit, and its place was cemented in French history and culture.
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What is it used for today?
These days, millions of tourists flock to see the Eiffel Tower each year — making it one of Paris’s top attractions. But aside from being a tourist destination, it is also home to some unique events throughout the year. For example every New Year’s Eve there is a spectacular fireworks display from atop its summit; every summer there are free concerts held in its shadow, and during major sporting events (such as UEFA Euro 2016) fans gather here wearing their team colors and proudly waving flags!
Beyond these special occasions though, everyday visitors still come here just to take photos or simply admire its beauty—and who can blame them? After all these years, we still find ourselves captivated by what once seemed like an impossible feat: building an immense, intricate structure out of wrought iron!
The Eiffel Tower continues to be an incredible symbol of progress in engineering and architecture—not just in France but worldwide too! Its construction more than 130 years ago marked a turning point in our capability to build large structures out of something other than stone or concrete — showing us all just how far modern technology can take us if given enough time and effort.
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Location: Where is the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France. To be exact, it stands on Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) which is an area that spans from Trocadéro to Quai Branly in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It’s situated near the banks of the River Seine between Trocadéro Gardens and Quai Branly Museum.
When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you will find three levels to explore: The first floor features an observation deck at 157 meters (515 feet) high with sweeping views over Paris; the second level features another observation deck at 276 meters (906 feet) high, and finally, there is a panoramic Champagne bar on top at 324 meters (1,063 feet).
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Eiffel Tower Tickets: An overview
If you’re looking to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, there are a few things you need to know. First, tickets are required and can be purchased online or at the tower itself.
Second, there are several different Eiffel Tower ticket options, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs. Finally, the tower is open year-round, but hours of operation vary depending on the season.
Be prepared for long lines. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, and there can often be long waits to get into the tower. So make sure to arrive early and pack plenty of patience!
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Interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower
There are several interesting facts about this famous monument that many people may not know:
- The Eiffel Tower was originally only meant to be up for 20 years but proved so popular that it became permanent after World War I ended in 1919.
- The height of the tower changes depending on weather conditions since metal expands when hot and contracts when cold—it can grow as much as 15 cm!
- Since its inauguration more than 125 years ago, more than 300 million people have visited this iconic landmark making it one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions!
- During summer months when light pollution is low, you can see up to 40 kilometers away from atop the Eiffel Tower due to its height!
- At night time, 20,000 bulbs light up creating a stunning view for tourists and locals alike – what’s not to love?!
- While it’s okay to snap personal pics of the Iron Lady, it’s illegal to photograph the Eiffel Tower at night for commercial use! The reason is that the lights displayed on the tower at night are copyrighted by the artist who installed them in 1985, Pierre Bideau.
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Attractions Near the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was built to commemorate the centenary of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo. The Arc de Triomphe is an imposing monument and is one of the world’s most iconic buildings. It was built by Napoleon’s architect, Georges Cuvier, and is located in the center of Paris, France.
The Arc de Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in the world. It is a place of historical significance and is a symbol of France and the French Empire. The Arc de Triomphe is also one of the most visited monuments in the world.
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Trocadéro Gardens
The Trocadéro Garden is one of the most famous parks in Paris. It is located in the 7th arrondissement of the city. The park is home to the Trocadéro Museum and the Palais de Chaillot. The Trocadéro is the highest point in Paris and from here there are magnificent views of the city.
The Trocadéro is a short walk from the Champs-Élysées and is the site of the Paris Opera. The park is also home to the National Assembly and the Palais de l’Elysee.
The park is also home to the National Museum of Decorative Arts and the Musée de la Mode et du Textile. The museum is home to the Costume and Fashion exhibition, which is one of the biggest in the world. The exhibition explores the history of fashion from the ancient world to the present day. It contains over 4,000 original costumes from the museum’s collections.
The Musée de la Mode et du Textile contains the world’s largest collection of fashion history and is home to the most important collection of fashion from the 18th to the 21st Century. The museum is
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Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world. The street is famous because of its many high-end fashions and luxury brands and is well known for its elegant shops and high-end fashion.
There are a number of famous buildings on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Avenue des Champs-Élysées has a number of other famous buildings. These include the Hôtel de Crillon, home to the US Embassy; the Hôtel de Ville; and the Hôtel de Sully. The Hôtel de Sully is a beautiful building and is one of the largest hotels in France.
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Paris Museum of Modern Art
Paris Museum of Modern Art is one of the most popular museums in the world. It is home to some of the most famous art in the world and has works by Picasso, Dali, Matisse, and Monet. The museum is split into two main sections: the Picasso Museum and the Claude Monet Museum.
The Picasso Museum is home to Picasso’s famous painting, Guernica, which was painted during the Spanish Civil War. The Monet Museum is home to the world-famous House at Giverny, the painting that gave rise to the name of the artist. The museum also has a collection of Claude Monet’s paintings and works by other artists.
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National Marine Museum
The National Marine Museum is located on the Ile Saint-Louis in central Paris, France. Its purpose is to preserve and study marine life and its conservation is the centerpiece of the museum’s activities. The Museum’s exhibitions, which are designed to be educational and entertaining, cover a wide range of marine life and are divided into sections dedicated to fish, invertebrates, mollusks, corals, sharks, shipwrecks, marine mammals, and vertebrates.
The museum is open to the public and admission is free. The museum is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm (closed on Monday). It is accessible by public transport and is close to the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens.
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Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a complex of buildings and gardens located in the heart of Paris, in the 5th arrondissement. It is home to the Musée de l’Armée, the Panthéon, and the Invalides, which is where Napoleon Bonaparte was buried.
Les Invalides is home to the Panthéon, which is a church and mausoleum in the shape of a Greek cross. It is the resting place of many famous French people, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Molière, and many others. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the most famous dome in the world.
The Invalides is a complex of buildings, including the Musée de l’Armée, which is a museum dedicated to the French military. Inside the museum, there is a large collection of military uniforms, weapons, and equipment. The Musée de l’Armée is one of the largest museums in Europe and is home to over 100,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons.
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Final Thoughts
The Eiffel Tower has become an icon around the world and visiting it should be on everyone’s travel bucket list! Its interesting history combined with spectacular views makes it a must-visit destination for travelers who are interested in learning about French culture or simply want to take in some breathtaking sights overlooking the Paris skyline!
FAQs
Did the French build the Eiffel Tower?
Yes. The Eiffel Tower was designed and manufactured between 1885 and 1890 by French engineers Gustave Eiffel who specialized in steel structures.
What do the French call the Eiffel Tower?
La Tour Eiffel in French, and it is sometimes referred to as the Iron Lady. The iconic Eiffel Tower is a landmark of international importance. A centerpiece at the World Fair in 1889 it was aimed at commemorating a century in which France had achieved its greatest mechanical achievements.
Why is the Eiffel Tower so famous?
For so many reasons, but primarily its unique beauty. The Eiffel Tower represents the most iconic symbol for Paris for nearly 150 years and is also the emblem of France. At its initial construction for the World Fair of 1889, it impressed everyone with its size and inventiveness and symbolized French know-how.
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