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Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower as seen from the Champ de Mars
Building information
NameEiffel Tower
TypeObservation tower,
Radio broadcasting tower
LocationParis, France
OwnerFrance City of Paris, France (100%)
Started1887
Completed1889
Size200px
Antenna spire324.00 m (1063 ft)
Roof300.65 m (986.4 ft)
Top floor273.00 m (895.7 ft)
Floor count3
Elevator count9
Main contractorGustave Eiffel & Cie
ArchitectStephen Sauvestre
Structural engineerMaurice Koechlin,
Émile Nouguier

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The Eiffel Tower ( , -frtuʁ ɛfɛl, nickname La dame de fer, the iron lady) is a puddle iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Built in 1889, it has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower is the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year. Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.

The tower stands 324 m (1063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building. Upon its completion, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. However, due to the addition, in 1957, of the antenna atop the Eiffel Tower, is now taller than the Chrysler Building. Not including broadcast antennas, it is the second-tallest structure in France, after the Millau Viaduct.

The tower has three levels for visitors. Tickets can be purchased to ascend, by stairs or lift, to the first and second levels. The walk from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by elevator. Both the first and second levels feature restaurants.

The tower has become the most prominent symbol of both Paris and France, often in the establishing shot of films set in the city.


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