The Eiffel Tower is an 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 for its designer,
engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the
1889 World’s Fair.
The tower stands 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an
81-story building. Upon its completion, it surpassed the Washington
Monument to assume the title of 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, the tower is now taller than the Chrysler Building. Not
including broadcast antennas, it is the second-tallest structure in
France after the 2004 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 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.