The origin of the Eiffel Tower and its transformation into a world icon
The Eiffel Tower was born as the star project of the 1889 World's Fair. A puddled iron structure conceived by Gustave Eiffel's team and erected between 1887 and 1889 to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution. Its silhouette, a large metallic “A”, broke with the tradition of stone and brick, turning the structure itself into the protagonist and demonstrating the potential of modern engineering.
Inaugurated on March 31, 1889 (opened to the public on May 6, 1889), it reached the original 300 m and, with antennas, today it is around 324 m, dominating the Champ de Mars and the Paris sky. Although its lines initially sparked criticism, it soon became a symbol of innovation and the city.
During the 20th century, the tower proved useful and versatile. It served for telecommunications and broadcasting, and hosted such famous advertising illuminations as those of Citroën between 1925 and 1934.
Over time, it became one of the most visited monuments on the planet. Today, it is possible to visit from the lower levels to the summit of the Eiffel Tower. And if you want to complete the Parisian experience, nothing better than combining it with a relaxing cruise on the Seine.
