Greetings, it's Detective Pux here to uncover the secrets of one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower! We all know the basics, right? The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, it's made of iron, and it's a popular spot for tourists to take selfies. But what about the lesser-known facts? Let's dive in and see what we can uncover!
- It was only supposed to be temporary
Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower was not intended to be a permanent fixture in the Parisian skyline. It was built for the 1889 World's Fair and was only meant to stand for 20 years before being dismantled. Luckily for us, Gustave Eiffel convinced the city to keep it standing as a radio tower, and it has since become a beloved symbol of Paris.
- It used to have an apartment
Yes, you read that right. Gustave Eiffel himself had a small apartment on the top floor of the tower, which he used as a private getaway and to entertain guests. The apartment was eventually opened to the public in 2014 and has been preserved as it was during Eiffel's time.
- It was once the world's tallest building
When it was completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stood at a height of 324 meters (1,063 feet), making it the tallest building in the world at the time. It held this title for 41 years until it was surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.
- It has survived two world wars
Despite being made of iron and not designed for military use, the Eiffel Tower managed to survive both World War I and World War II relatively unscathed. In fact, during World War II, the French cut the elevator cables to the tower to prevent the Nazis from using it as a lookout point.
- It's a magnet for daredevils
Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has attracted a number of daredevils and thrill-seekers who have attempted to climb or BASE jump from the structure. One of the most famous examples is Philippe Petit, who walked a tightrope between the tower's two highest points in 1974.
- It sparkles at night
If you've ever visited the Eiffel Tower at night, you may have noticed something magical happening every hour on the hour. The tower is fitted with thousands of twinkling lights that create a sparkling effect for the first five minutes of every hour after dark.
- It's a scientific laboratory
Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower has also been used as a scientific laboratory over the years. In the early 20th century, scientists used the tower to conduct experiments on radio waves and later on wind resistance. Today, it's still used for scientific purposes, including measuring the effects of climate change on the tower's iron structure.
So there you have it, folks! Some of the lesser-known secrets of the Eiffel Tower. From its temporary status to its sparkling lights and scientific purposes, the tower holds a rich history and a number of surprises for those who take the time to explore it. Until next time, this is Detective Pux signing off!