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300 workers worked for two years to erect this monument. Eiffel Tower has a lattice work structure made using wrought iron of the finest quality. Maurice Koechlin, Emile Nouguier and Stephen Sauvestre were the engineers and architect, respectively, who helped Alexandre Gustave Eiffel in the design and construction. The design of the unique shape of the Eiffel Tower was based on mathematical calculations involving wind resistance. It is like an assembled set of numerous iron pieces. These pieces were first prepared in Gustave Eiffel's factory. It took five months to build the foundation of the tower. Special cranes were used to lift the iron pieces higher to build the tower.

The World's Fair was to be held in 1889, in Paris. It was also the centenary year of the beginning of the French Revolution (1789). The fair exhibited machines and war material among the other things. The Eiffel Tower was the main symbol of the fair. It was originally built as an entrance arch for the fair.

The construction of the tower, which began in January 1887, came to an end in 1889, after two years, two months and five days. The Eiffel Tower was officially opened on 31st March, 1889, by the then Prince of Wales

The World's Fair was a great success and the Eiffel Tower became a major attraction. The tower was originally under a 20-year lease in Paris and it was to be dismantled after the expiry of the lease. But, it was found to be useful for telegraphy; hence, it was retained.

Eiffel Tower Facts

• The Eiffel Tower is a little more than 300 mt high (approx. 1060 ft) and weighs 7000 tonnes.
• The Eiffel Tower sways in the wind. The maximum sway recorded is 12 cm.
• The cables of the lifts were cut, when the Germans invaded Paris, during the Second World War, as the French did not wish Hitler to mount Eiffel Tower. The cables were replaced immediately after France was liberated.
• The tower came to be used for radio and television transmission. In 1957, a radio antenna, which is presently in use, was added to the tower. It is also used as meteorological recording station.
• The base of Eiffel Tower is 412 sq. ft wide. It has 1665 steps and three platforms or floors. There are lifts to carry people to the highest point.
• Construction of the Eiffel Tower cost 7,800,800 gold francs.
• There are some shops and two expensive restaurants, Altitude 95 and Jules Verne, on the Eiffel Tower.
• On a clear weather day, one can see up to 40 miles, from the top of the tower.
• The tower is painted every seven years, using 50 tonnes of paint, to prevent it from rust. Therefore, the shades of the tower differ. Dark brown is the most used shade.
• Names of 72 French scientists, engineers and noted men including Ampere, Gay-Lussac, Tresca, Laplace and Sauvage to name a few, are carved on the tower.
• After its construction, Eiffel Tower was strongly criticized by many noted people from the arts society. It was considered ugly and detestable.
• Guy de Maupassant, famous French novelist, hated the tower. He daily had lunch in one of the restaurants on the tower, as according to him, it was the only place in Paris, from where the tower could not be viewed.
• Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in entire world, until 1930, when the Chrysler building, which was taller, was built in the US.