10 Odd Things You Didn’t Know About the Eiffel Tower
10 Odd Things You Didn’t Know About the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Known for its breathtaking views and iron lattice structure, it draws millions of tourists each year. But beyond its towering presence and romantic reputation, the Eiffel Tower hides many odd and unique facts that even seasoned travelers might not know. Let's uncover 10 strange and fascinating facts about this global icon.
1. It Was Almost Demolished
Yes, the Eiffel Tower was nearly torn down. Originally built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was scheduled for demolition after 20 years. Many Parisians initially hated the design, calling it an “eyesore.” Even artists and intellectuals signed petitions against its construction. However, by 1909, its value as a radio transmission tower helped preserve it. The French military used it for strategic communications during World War I, including intercepting enemy messages. Ironically, what was once considered an embarrassment has become a global symbol of French culture.
2. The Tower Grows Taller in Summer
This might sound like a science fiction twist, but it's pure physics. During hot summer months, the Eiffel Tower can grow more than 6 inches (15 cm) taller due to thermal expansion — when heat causes metal to expand. The tower is composed of more than 18,000 iron parts joined by 2.5 million rivets. As temperatures rise, the metal lattice subtly stretches upward. Conversely, in cold winters, it can shrink back to its original height. This thermal breathing is normal for large metal structures but fascinating when you realize a building is literally “growing” and “shrinking” with the seasons.
3. A Woman “Married” the Eiffel Tower
In 2007, Erika Eiffel, an American woman and former U.S. Air Force member, famously “married” the Eiffel Tower in a commitment ceremony. She later adopted the surname “Eiffel.” While not a legal marriage, Erika’s relationship with the monument highlighted objectophilia, a psychological condition where individuals form emotional and romantic bonds with inanimate objects. This rare condition gained media attention and sparked discussions about identity, affection, and the boundaries of love. Erika claimed that the tower provides her with stability, security, and peace — things she found lacking in human relationships.
4. It’s Been Repainted Over 20 Times
The Eiffel Tower is repainted approximately every seven years to prevent rust and preserve its structure. Since its completion, it has undergone more than 20 major repaintings, each using around 60 tons of paint. Interestingly, the tower has changed colors several times throughout history. It was originally reddish-brown, then turned to yellow-ochre, then chestnut brown. The current shade, called “Eiffel Tower Brown,” consists of three graded tones to enhance its silhouette against the Parisian sky. The repainting process takes over a year and involves painters scaling the entire structure — a daring job that requires specialized training.
5. Secret Apartment at the Top
Gustave Eiffel built a private apartment for himself near the top of the tower, about 1,000 feet above ground. Decorated with wooden cabinets, wallpaper, oil paintings, and a grand piano, the apartment was never open to the public during his lifetime. Eiffel used it to entertain prestigious guests, including Thomas Edison, who once gifted him a phonograph. Today, the preserved apartment is viewable through glass and contains wax figures of Eiffel and Edison in conversation. The idea of living in a tower above Paris with a view unmatched anywhere else adds a layer of personal intimacy to the otherwise industrial monument.
6. It Was Hacked During World War II
When Nazi Germany occupied Paris during World War II, the French resistance cut the elevator cables of the Eiffel Tower to prevent Hitler and his officers from reaching the top. Although the Nazis hoisted a swastika flag on the tower, Hitler never made it to the summit. A popular legend says that Hitler chose not to climb the 1,665 steps to the top, symbolizing that “Hitler conquered France, but not the Eiffel Tower.” After the liberation of Paris, the French reattached the cables and raised the French Tricolour, restoring the tower’s symbolic status as a beacon of French pride.
7. The Tower Has Been Used for Extreme Sports
The Eiffel Tower is more than a scenic viewpoint — it has become an unexpected venue for extreme sports. In 1984, two British daredevils parachuted from the tower, inspiring other illegal jumps. In 2010, Alain Robert, known as the “French Spider-Man,” climbed it without ropes or permission. Additionally, tightrope walker Philippe Petit once practiced on a model of the tower before his famous walk between the Twin Towers. The tower’s geometry and height make it an irresistible challenge for thrill-seekers, although the French authorities have since enforced strict security measures to prevent such stunts.
8. It’s Home to a Science Laboratory
Gustave Eiffel had a deep interest in science, and he used the tower not just as an architectural marvel but as a research tool. He built a small laboratory at the top where he conducted experiments in meteorology, aerodynamics, and even gravity. His work contributed to aviation development, particularly in wind resistance and air pressure. Eiffel’s wind tunnel experiments led to innovations in aircraft design. This scientific legacy is often overshadowed by the tower’s visual appeal, but it's a testament to how architecture and science can merge to create something both beautiful and functional.
9. Its Sparkling Lights Are Copyrighted
The Eiffel Tower dazzles with 20,000 sparkling lights every evening, which illuminate the Parisian skyline in five-minute intervals. While the tower itself, built in 1889, is in the public domain, the lighting design introduced in 1985 is copyrighted. According to French law, photos of the tower taken at night are technically subject to copyright restrictions when used commercially. Tourists can still share personal photos on social media, but filmmakers and advertisers must get permission from the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel. This odd fact makes the Eiffel Tower not just a monument, but also an intellectual property case study.
10. It Has Inspired Hundreds of Replicas
There are more than 50 replicas and inspired structures of the Eiffel Tower around the world. Las Vegas’s Paris Hotel features a half-scale replica, while Tokyo Tower in Japan is a red-and-white reinterpretation with stronger broadcasting capabilities. Other replicas appear in places as unexpected as Shenzhen (China), Lahore (Pakistan), and even a backyard in Tennessee. These structures reflect the Eiffel Tower’s global appeal and its status as a universal symbol of elegance, innovation, and romance. Each version is a tribute to the original, blending local culture with Parisian charm.
Bonus: The Eiffel Tower Was Once the Tallest Man-Made Structure
Upon completion in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 300 meters (984 feet). It held this title for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was completed in 1930. Considering it was constructed without modern cranes or digital blueprints, this achievement is even more astounding. The precision of its engineering and the ambition of its design placed it far ahead of its time.
Bonus: The Eiffel Tower Sways with the Wind
Another physical quirk of the tower is its ability to sway. During strong winds, the top of the Eiffel Tower can move by up to 7 centimeters (nearly 3 inches). The structure is intentionally flexible, designed to withstand intense storms and natural forces. This elasticity allows it to survive earthquakes and harsh weather, proving once again that Eiffel’s engineering foresight was remarkable.
Conclusion
The Eiffel Tower is much more than a steel structure towering over Paris. It’s a treasure trove of odd facts, historic twists, and cultural influence. Whether it’s expanding in summer heat, acting as a scientific lab, or being the object of someone’s affection, the tower continues to surprise and enchant people all over the world. It has survived wars, criticism, and time, emerging as one of the most recognizable and beloved monuments on Earth. Next time you gaze upon it, remember — there’s more to the Eiffel Tower than meets the eye. It is not just an icon, but a living story of human creativity, resilience, and passion.
@2025 Haruka Cigem - Curious Facts Explored.
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