The Eiffel Tower in Paris and its Symbolism to the French People
Origin of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a man made landmark built to mark 100 years of the French Revolution. The tower which stands at 330 meter was built in 1889 for what was known as 1889 Exposition Universelle in English International Exposition which was a World’s Fair in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The project was and is so dear to the government and the French people as the revolution means so much to them and to the whole civilized world.
The tower was designed by a team of three engineers; Gustave Eiffel; a French engineer and team leader, Maurice Koechlin; Swiss engineer who is said to have drown the first sketch of the tower, and Emile Nouguier; a French engineer and architect. The three engineers have great contribution to the monumental work of the Eiffel tower.
The French government wanted to celebrate the 100th anniversary in special manner. Moreover, the city of Paris had obtained the right to host the International Exposition for 1889. The government therefore, through the ministry of industry and commerce held a competition in 1886 to design the tower. Gustave Eiffel who had his engineering company won the competition.
Construction of the tower began in 1887 and was completed in 1889; to be more precise it took two years, two months and five days since construction began. Originally, the tower was called the 300-meter Tower, however, later on it was named after Gustave Eiffel to be known the Eiffel Tower.
Scientific and Cultural significance of the tower
The Eiffel Tower in Paris has both cultural and scientific significance to the French people. One of the purposes of building the tower was to mark 100 years of their glorious revolution which is of great political and cultural significance.
Cultural Significance
The tower is a demonstration and symbol of French culture, technological savvy, and innovation. At the tower a number of cultural exhibitions take place which include; light shows, fine dining; showcasing as well the French and international cuisine. Moreover, the international community too recognize the tower to be a monumental symbol of culture expression. The UN through UNESCO in 1991 declared the tower to be a UNESCO World Heritage site which demonstrates France’s commitment in preservation of its heritage.
Scientific Significance
The tower has lots of scientific significance to France but also to the disciplines too. The tower has been operating as a scientific laboratory in meteorology, aerodynamics and for radiobroadcasting. Moreover, at the base of the tower engineers built a wind tunnel to study aerodynamics, and in between 1903 and 1905 the chief engineer Gustave Eiffel installed gravity instruments on the tower to facilitate activities at the tower.
Touristic Attractions
The tower attracts tourists because of a number of factors that we have already seen above. The attractions include historical significance, cultural importance and panoramic views of the city of Paris when one is on the tower.
Historical attraction
The Eiffel tower is a symbol of Paris and France as it was constructed to celebrate 100 years of the glorious French revolution. The tower was designed by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier and built by Gustave Eiffel. It had been planned to be destroyed after 20 years of construction. Moreover, it was the world’s tallest structure up to when the Chrysler Building was built in New York in 1930
Cultural attraction
The tower was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and so tourists want to live the experience of the site. Moreover, from the tower, tourists can have the panoramic view of the city. Additionally, the lighting of the tower is so attractive as the tower has a golden covering giving it an extraordinary experience when lighted.
Services to tourists
The Eiffel tower in Paris is known for attracting a large number of visitors. The visitors can get various services offered to tourists. some of the services that tourists can get include but not limited to guided tours, panoramic views, exhibitions, panoramic maps, shopping, dining and buffets.
Shopping, Dining and Buffets
The Eiffel tower is an exciting site to be for visitors. At the site there are shops of various commodities, gift shops, fashion boutique, post card shop, and much more. Furthermore, the tower has numerous restaurants and cafes including the famous Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, Madame Brasserie, and a champagne bar. Moreover, there are buffets that offer to visitors French and international dishes of their choices.
Guided tours, Panoramic views and Exhibition
The tower has a service of guided tours that can be done in several international languages. In the second and the top floor visitors assisted by guides can have panoramic view of the city of Paris. Additionally, visitors can participate in temporary exhibitions that can be held at the tour on different themes.
Economic benefits generated by the Eiffel tower
The Eiffel tower in Paris benefits France economically through its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) earned through tourism and numerous job opportunities created in many sectors in the local economy.
Tourism
The Eiffel tower in Paris is a major tourist attraction bringing millions of tourists to France and specific in Paris each year. The tourists through entrance fees and other services offered at and within the tower contribute in the local businesses. The income from the tower and its capacity to attract many visitors lead in supporting the local businesses such as in the gift shops, shopping, and restaurants.
Jobs Creation
The Eiffel tower, as discussed earlier already, attracts millions of visitors. These visitors need lots of services from the surrounding areas in Paris. Thus, the tower generates job opportunities in different sectors such as cooks, hoteliers, drivers, tour guides, and many other job opportunities in tourism.
The Why of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel tower’s reason of existence was to be used as a symbol to demonstrate France’s industrial progress especially after a century of the French Revolution. It was also planned to be a center of attraction at the World Fair that to be held in Paris in 1889.
Today the tower has become one of the identities of Paris and France in general just like the Notre Dame de Paris. Moreover, it is used to send radio and television signals to Parisians and beyond. It also has scientific significance as it is used to carry out experiments in wind resistance, and in meteorological researches.
Conclusion on the Eiffel Tower in Paris
It is my hope that the article has given you important information about this man made landmark in Paris. The article has disclosed that the tower was built for the purpose of marking the 100th anniversary for the French revolution. The article has also revealed that from its construction up to 1930 it held the record of the tallest man made structure in the world up to when it was over taken by the Chrysler building in New York. We have also learnt that the tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is an interesting topic as the tower has lots of benefits to Parisians and beyond. The tower was built to commemorate the glorious French revolution. At one time in history it was the tallest structure in the world up to 1930 when it lost its status to an American building. The topic attracts lots of questions from readers, and here are some of those questions:
- Why was the Eiffel Tower built?
- Where is Eiffel Tower located in which country?
- Where in the city do people get The Eiffel tower in Paris tickets?
- What is the Eiffel Tower height?
- Where can one get the Eiffel tower in Paris facts?
- How much do the Eiffel Tower tickets cost?
- How old is the Eiffel Tower?
- How tall is the Eiffel Tower meters?
- What does Eiffel Tower symbolize?
- What is the meaning of the Eiffel tower?
- What is the Eiffel Tower significance?
- Why is the Eiffel Tower important to France?