In theory, the Eiffel Tower would only last 20 years. More than a century has passed and this historical monument adds another 6 meters which brings it closer to the sky. Now the work measures 330 meters; something that had not been estimated in 1889 when it was erected for the Paris Universal Exposition.
Its creator, the engineer and businessman Gustave Eiffel, represented with this building the technological, architectural and industrial advances of the time. Like this points Magazine National Geographic. His counterparts Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin attended with him, as well as the architect Charles León Stephen Sauvestre.
The prospectus that today bears the Parisian symbol is linked to the original function: broadcasts from radio stations. At the time, this did not allow for its decommissioning. But what’s behind the new length that the iron lady sports?
Reason why the Eiffel Tower is now 6 meters taller
After the inauguration of the tower, antennas were added which increased its height. Without these elements the work measured 300 meters; with several of them, until 2000 it reached 324 meters.
In 2022 the monument reached 330 meters with a new digital audio broadcast antenna. The plant has a value of one million euros and allows access to digital terrestrial radio in the capital.
Through the Twitter account @LaTourEiffel, announced the transformation of one of the most visited tourist sites in the world. They have been preparing for the assembly for more than a year, since they needed to coordinate in detail the transfer and location of the device, the weight of which is 350 kilograms.
On March 15 of this year, travelers and locals enjoyed how a helicopter raised the antenna to the top of the tower, where the technicians who would have anchored it to the summit were waiting. On television, in various parts of the world, they broadcast the event in the French capital.
Contrary to the planning process, the execution took only 15 minutes and was supervised by the company Eiffel Tower Exploitation Company (SETE), head of operations at the monument.
How did radio and science save the Eiffel Tower?
In its beginnings, cultural and artistic personalities of the time rejected the Eiffel design. Groups condemned the construction in the city, claiming it was tacky and needed to be destroyed.
But over time, in this wrought iron structure capable of supporting more than 10,000 tons, the engineer set up a room where he carried out research and astronomical measurements. Furthermore, he said that in the future the project would be useful through science.
In 1900, the French Navy anchored a radio mast atop the tower. Later, while Paris was under Nazi occupation, the device enabled German television to be broadcast.
Several telecommunications antennas have been installed there over the years. Such actions saved her from decommissioning. Today the piece is an icon that cannot be separated from France.
Curiosities of the Eiffel Tower
Official data of the portal Eiffel Tower They specify that the metal structure weighs 7,300 tons and is made up of 18,038 pieces of iron. The base consists of 4 pillars in a square of 125 meters of ground extension.
The first level is 57 meters high, the second rises to 115 meters and the third to 276 meters above sea level. Reach their floors with elevators or climbing 1600 steps.
Other curiosities of the coat of arms of the city of light are the following:
- His birthday is March 31st. He’s already 133.
- It took 2 years to build the tower, from January 1887.
- The Eiffel project won a competition among 107 proposals to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution.
- For 4 decades it was the tallest building in the world, until it was moved from the Chrysler Building in New York.
- In summer it feels 18cm larger than in winter, due to the thermal expansion of the metal.
- Share nickname with Margaret Thatcherwho was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Before France, it was offered to several cities and they all rejected it.
- They paint it every 5 years with 50 tons of paint that prevents corrosion. On the first floor, visitors vote for their favorite color for the Iron Lady.
Will the growth of the Parisian emblem continue?
The Eiffel Tower has been an ally of radio since the invention of this medium. Its architecture goes hand in hand with the progress of technology, just as the author conceived it at the time.
For now, 330 meters is the maximum length of the tower. It cannot be excluded that in the future it will lend its framework to dialogue with science and innovations at the service of citizens. What is certain is its permanence as a symbol of Paris.
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