Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower (French: La Tour Eiffel, [tuʁ ɛfɛl], nickname La dame
de fer, the iron lady) is a puddle iron lattice tower located on the
Champ de Mars in Paris. Built in 1889, it has become both a global
icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the
world. The tower is the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited
paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year.
Named for its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built
as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.

The tower stands 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as
an 81-storey building. Upon its completion, it surpassed the
Washington Monument to assume the title of 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, due to the
addition in 1957 of the antenna, the tower is now taller than the
Chrysler Building. Not including broadcast antennas, it is the
second-tallest structure in France after the 2004 Millau Viaduct.

The tower has three levels for visitors. Tickets can be purchased to
ascend, by stairs or lift, to the first and second levels. The walk to
the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to
the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by
elevator. Both the first and second levels feature restaurants.

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

It was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna
- used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part
of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and
French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature.

During its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has also witnessed a few strange
scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and
parachuted off of in 1984 by two Englishmen. In 1923 a journalist rode
a bicycle down from the first level. Some accounts say he rode down
the stairs, other accounts suggest the exterior of one of the tower's
four legs which slope outward.

However, if its birth was difficult, it is now completely accepted and
must be listed as one of the symbols of Paris itself.