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The Eiffel Tower has been one of the most recognizable structures in the world for over a century. Its architect and structural engineer was Gustave Eiffel. Originally, it was planned to be built in Barcelona, Spain for the Universal Exposition of 1888 also known as the World's Fair. However, the Barcelona politicos thought that it was too expensive and that the structure was not a proper fit to their city's image. After being rejected, Eiffel submitted his draft to the Universal Exhibition in Paris. And one can say that the rest was history.

The tower was built from January 26, 1887 to March 31, 1889. Three hundred steel workers had used eighteen thousand and thirty eight iron pieces, two and a half million rivets, and forty tons of paint along with their blood and sweat to erect this tower. Miraculously, only one worker died during this project. The structure weighs ten thousand and one hundred tons. It is three hundred and twenty four meters tall with one thousand six hundred and sixty five steps.

Although the Eiffel Tower has become a very popular tourist spot for more than a half a century, it was not originally beloved. A petition was introduced to the city government to ban the construction. The petitioners thought that it was endangering the French culture. Many thought that it was ugly and horrendous looking. Environmentalists thought that it would interfere with the path of birds. Despite its early detractors, the Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris. It's location on the Champ de Mars alongside the Seine River is one of the most romantic spots for tourists and romantics.

Many people would be surprised to know that the Eiffel Tower has several functions. At the turn of the twentieth century, the tower has been used for radio transmission. Furthermore, there are three floors that comprise the Eiffel Tower. There is a ticket booth at the bottom to purchase tickets to access the stairs. A snack bar, souvenir shops, and a bust of Gustave Eiffel are located here as well. The first floor has exhibitions celebrating the tower along with a souvenir shop and a snack bar. The Gustave Eiffel room accommodates seminars and conferences while the 95 Altitude restaurant provides a more elegant place for dining.

Even though the second floor also has its own snack shop and souvenir shops, it has the Le Jules Verne restaurant and Internet stations. The top level has wax figures of Gustave Eiffel, his daughter, and Thomas Edison. These are a part of a historical representation of Gustave's office. In addition, there is a representation of the engineers' office on this level too. No matter which level of the tower you are on, the view is remarkable. Elevators are available to ascend the tower. However, to reach the top floor, visitors who originally took the stairs or the elevator must get on the second floor elevator.

Who knew that a visit to the Eiffel Tower will get you more than a great view of the Parisian city? My impression of this remarkable structure is that it is a museum set inside a tower. I bet that good ole Gustave would be highly impressed by the respect and love for his eyesore creation.

Learn more about this author, George Marron.
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