GRAND EIFFEL TOWER

THE Eiffel Tower is a 300m high marvel of iron lattice on the Champs de Mars in Paris.

One of the most recognisable man-made structures in the world, it was built for the 1889 World Fair that was held to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution.

It was designed and constructed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, after whom it is named.

Built in two years, two months and five days, the tower was a veritable technical and architectural achievement at the end of the 19th century and a defining moment of the industrial era. Eiffel ’ s outstanding career was marked by several outstanding works, such as the ingenious structure of the Statue of Liberty.

The entire statue was erected at the Eiffel works in Paris before being dismantled and shipped to the US.

The Eiffel Tower, pictured , has contributed in scientific experiments, in particular the first radio transmissions and telecommunications.

It also served as a military radio post in 1903, transmitted the first public radio programme in 1925, and broadcast television until more recently.

Over the decades, the Eiffel Tower has seen remarkable achievements, extraordinary light shows, and prestigious visitors. A mythical and audacious site, it has inspired artists.

It is the stage for numerous events of international signif- icance such the Year 2000 pyrotechnic show. It was also transformed and stood as a blue tower to mark France’s presidency of the European Union, and became a multicoloured tower for its 120th birthday.

A universal Tower of Babel, almost 250-million visitors have come from all over the planet to see it since its opening in 1889.

Today, the Eiffel Tower welcomes almost 7-million visitors a year (around 75% of whom are foreigners), making it the most visited pay-to-visit monument in the world.

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