The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a giant iron tower in the city of Paris, France. It is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. The tower was finished in 1889. People can ride elevators to the top for an amazing view.

How It Was Built

A French engineer named Gustave Eiffel designed the tower. It was built for a huge fair in Paris in 1889. The tower is made of iron and has about 18,000 pieces held together with rivets. It took two years to build.

An old drawing plan showing how to build the Eiffel Tower.
An old drawing plan showing how to build the Eiffel Tower. (Maurice Koechlin, Émile Nouguier / Wikimedia Commons)

A Famous Landmark

The Eiffel Tower stands about 1,083 feet tall with its antenna. It was the tallest building in the world for 41 years. At night, thousands of lights make it sparkle. Millions of people visit it every year.

Fun Facts

  • The Eiffel Tower grows about 6 inches taller on hot summer days because metal expands in the heat.
  • It is painted every seven years to keep it from rusting.
  • Some people in Paris did not like the tower when it was first built.

Did You Know?

Gustave Eiffel had a small secret apartment near the top of the tower where he could relax.