Undoubtedly, when we think of Paris, the first image that come to mind is the Eiffel Tower. Inevitably, and from the 60s, this stunning tower has been (and remains) one of the main icons of the French capital.

Photography by Al Ianni

This structure of puddled iron was not always accepted by the Parisians, as it has been severely critical of industrial aesthetics and break it engenders to the city environment, completely accepted and recognized from the development of tourism in the mid-twentieth century.

Nevertheless, and as a means of great controversy, the Eiffel Tower was built to be the symbol of the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889 something like the Olympics of science and technology (the next World Expo will be held in Shanghai in 2010). The project was in the hands of a French engineer called Gustave Eiffel and its many partners.

It was and then began building the great tower in 1887, taking a total of two years, two months and just five days, reaching an initial height of 300 meters which gave him the title of world’s tallest structure for nearly 40 years (until the completion of the Chrysler Tower in New York.

Its simplicity and easy to remember morphological met the expectations of its investors, who sought a monument that would be clearly visible and recognizable, achieving also be a symbol to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Tower currently has another important function of issuing radio and television programs throughout the city of Paris.

Photography by boliston

The Eiffel Tower is on the so-called Champ de Mars, at the foot of the Seine, about 125 square meters on each side, meeting the guidelines that were issued for the contest of 1886 on the occasion of choosing the winner would represent the structure World Expo 1889.

The ticket booths are found in the north and west pillars of the same building, while the elevators are located in the east and west pillars. Within this pillar can also be found climbing stairs to the second floor (the rest of the way is prohibited for tourist use). The south is home pillar circulations for private and exclusive use of clients and staff of the famous Jules Verne Restaurant, located on the second floor of the Tower. Among the four pillars are four arches of 39 meters in height, with a diameter of 74 meters, ensuring the hardening and stability of the structure.

Rising to first floor at 57 meters above ground level, we find an area of 4,200 square meters that can withstand the simultaneous presence of 3,000. There are circular houses a gallery that allows visual Paris 365 degrees, exposing a series of maps and elements to observe accurately the monuments of the city.

You can also find the Altitude 95 Restaurant, spreading over two levels. It offers two exceptional views. On one side, the visual panorama of the city of Paris, while to the other a visual of the Eiffel Tower. Nearby you can see relics of the Tower, such as a section of the old spiral staircase that winds through the entire building and it was replaced in the last repairs to the building for security. The remaining sections were auctioned and purchased mostly by major collectors.

At the second level, located about 115 meters high, has an area of 1650 square meters and can withstand the simultaneous presence of 1,600. This place is known for having the best view and better perspective of the city, for obvious reasons as the first level is closest to the environment and the last level is too far away from it. He even claims that when the weather is favorable, you can earn up to a visual 60kilómetros north, 55 miles south, 65 east and 70 west.

Photography by Michal Osmenda

As for the Jules Verne Restaurant, renowned gourmet restaurant, has a unique visual that generates a great demand for people, creating a waiting list that extends from one to three months.

At the third level, much smaller than the other two (with an area of 350 square meters and can accommodate up to 400 people simultaneously) is at a distance of 275 meters high and can only be accessed through a elevator because the stairs are prohibited. From there you can climb a few steps to communicate with a fourth floor balcony wrongly called.

Last March 31, the Eiffel Tower was celebrating its 120th anniversary, giving a large sample of its history and evolution, being visited by millions of tourists who come to enjoy the symbol of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is a unique experience, no doubt!