Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower stands on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company, it was built between 1887 and 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, held to mark the centenary of the French Revolution. The structure is made of puddled iron, a form of wrought iron produced through a refining process widely used in the 19th century. Today, the tower reaches about 330 metres, including its antennas.

Its height changes slightly with temperature because iron expands when heated. Four massive legs support the structure, which is formed by a lattice of thousands of metal beams. More than 18,000 individual iron parts were assembled using millions of rivets. The open framework reduces the force of the wind while keeping the tower relatively light for its size. Detailed calculations and carefully planned construction methods were essential to give the tower its shape and stability.

The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to remain standing for only a limited period. Its usefulness for wireless communication, however, helped prevent its dismantling. Experiments with radio transmission were carried out there in the early 20th century, and the tower later contributed to radio and television broadcasting. It was also used for scientific observations, including research related to the atmosphere and gravity.

Opened to visitors in 1889, the tower soon became one of Paris's best-known landmarks. Regular maintenance and repainting protect its iron structure from corrosion. Visitors can access three main levels by lifts and, in some sections, by stairs. Today, the Eiffel Tower is both a major tourist attraction and an important example of 19th-century engineering. Its design demonstrates how advances in metal construction made it possible to build structures that were taller, lighter, and more open than many earlier buildings.