The Eiffel Tower Attractions > Paris
	The tower now stands at 300 metres, 320.75m including antenna, and weighs an enormous 7000 tons - it was also the world's tallest building until 1930. The tower was built with 15,000 iron pieces and 2.5 million rivets which took 300 steel workers 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it! It can sway almost 12 cm in high winds and the height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature! There are 1652 steps to the top. About Paris

The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. There were originally 700 proposals submitted in a design competition but Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen and made - this is where the name was from. However many people did not accept it at first, there was a 300 person petition protesting its construction!

The tower now stands at 300 metres, 320.75m including antenna, and weighs an enormous 7000 tons - it was also the world's tallest building until 1930. The tower was built with 15,000 iron pieces and 2.5 million rivets which took 300 steel workers 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it! It can sway almost 12 cm in high winds and the height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature! There are 1652 steps to the top so its a long haul up - take the elevators.

To think, this amazing tower was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna, as it used for telegraphy at that time. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature.

The tower has three platforms. A restaurant (extremely expensive; reservations absolutely necessary), the Jules Verne is on the second platform. The top platform has a bar, souvenir shop, and the (recently restored) office of Gustave Eiffel. From its platforms - especially the topmost - the view upon Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best.