The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. But could it be that it also has some secrets? For all the fun-fact aficionados, here are three things you probably didn’t know about the Eiffel Tower.
It Wasn’t Meant to Be Permanent
The Eiffel Tower was originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World Fair. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the masterpiece, had planned for it to stand for only 20 years. However, its value as a radiotelegraph station and the public’s growing fascination with the structure led to its preservation well beyond the intended timeframe.
It Moves!
It might be hard to believe, but the Eiffel Tower is not as rigid as it appears. In fact, the iron structure can sway in the wind. On a windy day, the top of the tower can move up to 6 inches due to its flexible design. The iron also expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing the height of the tower to vary by up to 6 inches throughout the year.
Secret Apartment
Gustave Eiffel designed a private apartment for himself at the top of the tower. In his time, this cozy little space, complete with furniture and wallpapers, was the envy of many Parisians.