The Eiffel Tower, an iconic landmark of Paris, attracts millions of tourists every year. In addition to its rich history and architectural design, the tower is famous for its stunning light shows. In this article, we will explore the history of the Eiffel Tower, the technology behind the Eiffel Tower light shows, and some fun facts about the tower that you may not know.
History of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel and his team of engineers. The tower was initially intended to be a temporary structure, but it proved to be so popular that it was allowed to remain standing. The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the internal structure of the Statue of Liberty.
Construction of the Eiffel Tower
The construction of the Eiffel Tower took two years, two months, and five days. It was completed in 1889 and stood at a height of 324 meters (1,063 feet). At the time of its completion, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world.
Eiffel Tower Light Shows
The Eiffel Tower light shows are one of the most popular attractions in Paris. The tower is illuminated every night, and there are specific light shows that take place at certain times of the year.
The Technology behind the Light Shows
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated by thousands of LED lights, which are located on the tower’s outer structure. The lights are arranged in a pattern, which is controlled by a computer program. The program can change the color of the lights, as well as the pattern, creating different effects.
Schedule of Light Shows
The Eiffel Tower has two different light shows that take place every evening. The first show starts at sunset and lasts for five minutes. The second show starts on the hour, every hour, and lasts for five minutes. During special events such as New Year’s Eve, the tower has an extended light show that lasts for several hours.
Eiffel Tower Facts
The Eiffel Tower Facts is not just an architectural masterpiece but is also an impressive engineering feat. Here are some fun facts that you may not know about the Eiffel Tower:
The Height of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, including its antenna. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building was built in New York in 1930.
The Elevators of the Eiffel Tower
There are two elevators in the Eiffel Tower that take visitors to the top. The elevators can travel at a speed of 5 meters (16 feet) per second, and it takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds to reach the top.
The Views from the Eiffel Tower
The views from the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking. Visitors can see up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) on a clear day, which includes landmarks such as the Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.
The Colors of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has been painted in different colors over the years. It was initially painted red, but it was later changed to yellow and then to the iconic brown color that it is today. The tower is repainted every seven years to protect it from corrosion.
The Eiffel Tower as a Symbol of Romance
The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of romance and love, attracting couples from all over the world. The tower has been the site of numerous proposals and weddings, and many couples attach padlocks to the bridge that crosses the Seine River as a symbol of their love.
Conclusion
The Eiffel Tower is not just a beautiful piece of architecture but is also an important part of France’s history and culture. Its light shows are a spectacular sight to behold, and its impressive engineering and design have made it a popular attraction for tourists. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, the Eiffel Tower is definitely worth a visit.
