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Comment du Jour
Eiffel Tower Still Shines as Parisian Beacon
Constructed for the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition, the now iconic Eiffel Tower
stands as a symbol of France.
The Tower remains a key tourist attraction in the City of Light. This year an expected seven million tourists will visit the 1,000 ft iron and steel structure. This comes out to about 35,000 visitors daily. For those wishing to ascend the tower by the elevator, online reservations are recommended.
Contrary to current times, the tower was originally quite controversial and seen as marring the majestic Parisian architectural landscape. The builder Gustave Eiffel was already known worldwide as an engineer and bridge builder, though the famous Tower naturally remians his masterpiece.
Personally I enjoy seeing the Tower at night where it literally serves as both a beacon and a luminary spectacle. Just before the top of each hour, the tower bursts into near animation and is lit by what can best be described as a galaxy of twinkling white lights!
As impressive is a constantly turning double navigation beacon atop the tower which arcs across the Parisian landscape every thirty seconds. This light cuts through the clouds, fog or even mist to show the Tour Eiffel watching over Paris by night.
By the way an interesting book about the Tower, the role it played in the Universal Exposition of 1889 and thereafter is found in an engaging account, "Eiffel's Tower," by Jill Jonnes. The book deals with both the controversary as well as the characters which came together in France for the Expo--Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Annie Oakley, and Thomas Edison. The volume was published by Viking in 2009.
Eiffel Tower Still Shines as Parisian Beacon
Constructed for the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition, the now iconic Eiffel Tower
stands as a symbol of France.
The Tower remains a key tourist attraction in the City of Light. This year an expected seven million tourists will visit the 1,000 ft iron and steel structure. This comes out to about 35,000 visitors daily. For those wishing to ascend the tower by the elevator, online reservations are recommended.
Contrary to current times, the tower was originally quite controversial and seen as marring the majestic Parisian architectural landscape. The builder Gustave Eiffel was already known worldwide as an engineer and bridge builder, though the famous Tower naturally remians his masterpiece.
Personally I enjoy seeing the Tower at night where it literally serves as both a beacon and a luminary spectacle. Just before the top of each hour, the tower bursts into near animation and is lit by what can best be described as a galaxy of twinkling white lights!
As impressive is a constantly turning double navigation beacon atop the tower which arcs across the Parisian landscape every thirty seconds. This light cuts through the clouds, fog or even mist to show the Tour Eiffel watching over Paris by night.
By the way an interesting book about the Tower, the role it played in the Universal Exposition of 1889 and thereafter is found in an engaging account, "Eiffel's Tower," by Jill Jonnes. The book deals with both the controversary as well as the characters which came together in France for the Expo--Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Annie Oakley, and Thomas Edison. The volume was published by Viking in 2009.
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