The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, stands tall at the Champ de Mars in France. Measuring 300.51 meters and weighing around 700 tons, it's a testament to the engineering prowess of Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who designed and constructed it for the 1889 World's Fair. This impressive structure took 300 workers two years to complete, with its 1665 steps leading to the top.
Originally met with criticism from prominent artists and intellectuals, the Eiffel Tower has since become a global cultural icon and one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Not only is it the tallest structure in Paris, but it also holds the distinction of being the most visited paid monument, with over 6.98 million visitors ascending its steps in 2011. In 2010, it welcomed its 250 millionth visitor, solidifying its place in history.
The tower's unique design, featuring an iron lattice, showcases the innovation of the time. It includes observation decks at three levels, a restaurant on the first floor, and various facilities like a meteorological station, radio communications, and television transmission antenna. The top of the tower also houses a suite of rooms once used by Eiffel himself.