The Hidden Secrets of the Eiffel Tower Revealed

TLDRDiscover the unknown secrets of the Eiffel Tower, from its planned demolition to its role in radio telegraphy, meteorology, and astronomy. Explore the 100 square meter secret apartment at the top and learn about the tower's ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts.

Key insights

🗼The Eiffel Tower was initially supposed to be demolished after 20 years but was saved due to its usefulness in radio telegraphy and research.

🔧Gustave Eiffel, known as the 'Magician of Iron,' designed and constructed the Eiffel Tower with over 18,000 individual pieces of wrought iron.

🌃The Eiffel Tower played a crucial role in radio communications during both World Wars and has been a popular tourist attraction since its completion in 1889.

🖌️The Eiffel Tower is periodically repainted to prevent corrosion, and its lights have their own copyright, protecting them from commercial use.

🌍Today, the Eiffel Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the most famous and visited landmarks in the world.

Q&A

Was the Eiffel Tower originally meant to be demolished?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower was initially planned to be torn down after 20 years, but its usefulness in radio telegraphy and research saved it from demolition.

What is the Eiffel Tower made of?

The Eiffel Tower is made of over 18,000 individual pieces of wrought iron, designed and constructed by Gustave Eiffel and his team.

What role did the Eiffel Tower play in the World Wars?

During both World Wars, the Eiffel Tower served as a crucial site for radio communications and was used to hinder German radio communications during the First World War.

Why is the Eiffel Tower periodically repainted?

The Eiffel Tower is regularly repainted to prevent corrosion and maintain its visual design. The three shades of 'Eiffel Tower Brown' progressively get darker from top to bottom.

Is the Eiffel Tower protected by copyright?

While the Eiffel Tower itself is a historical monument, the lighting display on the tower is protected by copyright, making it illegal to publish or share commercial images of the lit structure.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the Eiffel Tower as one of the most visited monuments in the world.

00:26Background on the Exposition Universelle and the significance of the Eiffel Tower as a centerpiece for the event.

01:23Gustave Eiffel's role in designing and constructing the tower, along with his other famous works.

03:37Construction process, including the transportation of materials and the precision required for the structure.

05:47The Eiffel Tower's record-breaking height and the creation of lifts to carry visitors between levels.

07:00The planned demolition and the tower's usefulness in radio telegraphy, communications, meteorology, and astronomy.

09:40Criticism and controversy surrounding the Eiffel Tower's construction.

10:44Lesser-known facts about the tower, including the secret apartment and the copyright protection of its lights.