How Big Is The Eiffel Tower?
Paris without The Eiffel Tower will most likely be unrecognizable to outsiders. This iconic structure is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of romance and adventure. The details of this architectural masterpiece are as fascinating as how it looks! Its intriguing history and height will make you see the Eiffel Tower in a new light.
Talking about its height, we know it's a big tower. But how big is Eiffel Tower exactly? Let's get to know in detail.
Brief history
So, let's start with a bit of history about when and why the Eiffel Tower was built.
The Eiffel Tower, or "La Tour Eiffel" as the French call it, was designed by Gustave Eiffel's engineering company. Initially, it was built as the entrance arch for a very special occasion— France's 1889 International Exposition. It was the world fair held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Image by Chris Karidis from Unsplash
The design was a revolutionary feat of engineering at the time that took 2 years to complete. Initially, locals and artists criticized the design, calling it an eyesore. Writers like Guy de Maupassant and Alexandre Dumas were among its vocal critics. But, clearly, the tower quickly won people over and became one of the most beloved landmarks in the world.
And the fact is, it wasn't really intended to be a permanent structure. Eiffel had a permit for it to stand for 20 years, and it was to be dismantled in 1909. However, its usefulness as a giant radio antenna saved it from demolition. During World War I, it was used to intercept enemy communications.
Today, it is one of the most visited pay-to-enter monuments in the world, attracting nearly 6 million visitors annually!
Height of Eiffel Tower
Now, let's get to the big question: How big is the Eiffel Tower? The height of Eiffel Tower in feet is 1,083. That's an incredible height, considering it was in the 19th century!
The height of Eiffel Tower in meters is about 330 meters.
This height includes the antennas at the top of the tower, which are essential for various communications. Without the antennas, the tower itself is 984 feet (300 meters) tall.
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And do you know that its height actually keeps changing over the seasons? Not in huge differences, though. As it's made of puddled iron, the height increases and decreases with the seasons by a couple of millimeters.
How big is the Eiffel Tower
To truly understand how big is Eiffel Tower, let's compare its height with some other familiar and iconic monuments:
1. Three times taller than the Statue of Liberty
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Most of us know about the Statue of Liberty and that it was a gift from France to the young United States of America in 1885. But did you know that the Statue of Liberty shares a special connection with the Eiffel Tower? That's because Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower, also contributed to the design of Lady Liberty's iron framework.
Comparing their heights, the Statue of Liberty, including its pedestal, stands at 305 feet (93 meters). So, the Eiffel Tower is actually more than three times as tall as the Statue of Liberty! That is, too, without its antenna.
2. Shorter than the Empire State Building
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Moving across to New York, we find another skyscraper that's often compared to the Eiffel Tower: the Empire State Building.
Including its antenna, the Empire State Building stands at 1,454 feet (443 meters). So the Eiffel tower is about three fourths the height of the Empire State Building. While it is indeed taller, the Eiffel Tower still holds its ground as an architectural marvel.
The Empire State Building is a symbol of American ingenuity, just as the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of French creativity and engineering prowess. Both structures have their unique charm and historical significance.
3. Less than half the height of Burj Khalifa
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Now, let's look at the world's current tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Standing at a jaw-dropping 2,717 feet (828 meters), it's the tallest building in the world, with a whopping 163 floors.
Visitors of the Burj Khalifa can explore multiple observation decks that offer some of the highest views you can get from any building in the world. With 17 million visitors each year, it's one of the world's most popular landmarks.
Now, let's bring it back to the Eiffel Tower. While the Eiffel Tower is an incredible 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, the Burj Khalifa is more than twice its height!
4. Three Big Bens stacked up
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Big Ben, London's iconic clock tower, is another famous structure we can compare. Its height stands at 316 feet, nearly 100 meters long or 96.3 meters to be more precise. So, the Eiffel Tower dwarfs Big Ben by more than three times, too.
We can simply picture three Big Bens stacked on top of each other—that's still shorter than the Eiffel Tower!
5. More than three 30-storeyed buildings
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To give you an even better sense of the Eiffel Tower's height, think about a typical 30-story building. Each story in a building is usually about 10 feet (3 meters) high. So, a 30-story building is about 300 feet (90+ meters) tall.
The Eiffel Tower is like stacking more than three such buildings on top of each other.
6. More than three football fields
Image by Steve DiMatteo from Unsplash
Another way to grasp the height of the Eiffel Tower is by comparing it to a standard American football field. A football field is 360 feet (109 meters) long. The Eiffel Tower is over three times taller than a football field's length.
Other facts about the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is not just tall; it is packed with so many interesting features and facts. Here are a few takes from us:
It stands on four massive pillars
The Eiffel Tower rests on four gigantic pillars that provide the base support. These pillars are aligned with the cardinal points of the compass—north, south, east, and west.
It's lightweight yet strong
Despite its towering height and enormous size, the Eiffel Tower is relatively light for its height. It weighs about 10,100 tons. This might sound heavy, but for a structure of its size, it's surprisingly light. And the secret lies in its iron lattice structure.
Its height changes with the seasons!
Here's a fascinating fact: the height of the Eiffel Tower actually changes with the seasons! Because the tower is made of puddled iron, it expands in the summer heat and contracts in the winter cold. Though these changes are usually just a few inches!
Sways in the wind
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower sways slightly in the wind? It can move up to 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) in strong winds. It is a little more than 3 inches or a little short of 10 cm. This might sound alarming, but it's an interesting part of its design. The slight sway actually allows the tower to absorb the wind's force without breaking.
Amazing observation deck
There are three observation decks on the Eiffel Tower. The first deck is at 57 meters (187 feet), the second at 115 meters (377 feet), and the highest at 276 meters (906 feet).
These decks provide breathtaking city views, from the historic center to the sprawling suburbs. Whether you're afraid of heights or an adrenaline junkie, there's an observation deck for you. The views are simply spectacular, especially at sunset or night when the city lights up.
Climb 1665 steps
Up for an adventure? Take on the challenge of scaling the Eiffel Tower's 1,665 steps to reach its breathtaking summit. It's a bit of a workout, but the views along the way make it worthwhile.
If stairs aren't your thing, don't worry—most visitors prefer the elevator. The elevator ride itself is an experience, offering glimpses of the tower's intricate ironwork as you ascend.
Dining with a view
The Eiffel Tower houses two restaurants that offer unique dining experiences high above Paris. On the second floor, you'll find Le Jules Verne, a gourmet restaurant with stunning views of the city. It's the perfect place for a special meal. On the first floor, there is the 58 Tour Eiffel, a more casual dining spot with incredible views.
A Coat of Paint Every Seven Years
To keep the Eiffel Tower looking its best and to protect it from rust, it's repainted every seven years. The color used is a specially mixed shade known as "Eiffel Tower Brown." taking around 60 tons of paint!
Sparkles in the Eiffel Tower
One of the most magical features of the Eiffel Tower is its nightly light show. It sparkles with 20,000 light bulbs every evening. This light show happens for five minutes at the start of each hour after sunset, a dazzling scenery that can be seen from miles around.
The tower also features special illuminations for various holidays and events throughout the year.
Outro
The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of human ingenuity and artistic spirit. From its groundbreaking construction to its enduring cultural significance, the Eiffel Tower continues to captivate people worldwide.
FAQ: How to visit the Tower?
To visit the Eiffel Tower, buy your tickets online from the official website to avoid long queues. E-tickets can be purchased up to two months in advance, and same-day tickets are also available.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your ticket time to pass through security. There are two entrances: Entrance 1 (South) and Entrance 2 (East), with the East entrance usually being less crowded. If you have lift tickets, head to the EAST or WEST pillars (green flag). For stairs, go to the SOUTH pillar (blue flag).
Use public transport to get to the Tower and check the visiting conditions for prohibited items. The Tower is open every day of the year, but hours vary slightly depending on the season.
Please consider verifying these information prior to your visit from their official site as they might change over time.
