Le tour eiffel, the iron lady, the eiffel tower… however you know it, whatever you call it, you’ve probably heard of it.
With France one of the most visited countries in the world, and set to reclaim its title of the most visited country by 2025, is it any wonder that the eiffel tower has been recognised as the most visited paid monument in the world?
So, I thought I’d write about this iconic landmark that undoubtedly aids Paris’s reputation as the city of light, and ask the question: is the eiffel tower the greatest monument in the world?
©2023 Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
History of the Eiffel Tower
The eiffel tower was first built in 1889 to exhibit as part of the World’s Fair. Named after its constructor, Gustave Eiffel (who also constructed the Statue of Liberty), the tower was built in a record time of 2 years, 2 months and 5 days, according to its official website.
While it’s difficult to believe now, throughout the duration of its construction the eiffel tower faced criticism and mocking. However, by the time of its completion, criticisms soon died to be replaced with the adoration which we’re probably more familiar with today.
It’s difficult to imagine not being able to admire the tower once darkness falls, but it wasn’t until 1985 that the lighting system still in use to this day was installed. On the 1st January 2000, to mark the millennium, 20,000 sparkling lights were added to the metal frame, creating the nightly show we see today, and were permanently installed from 2001.
the eiffel tower today
There’s so much to see in Paris when you have the opportunity to visit. From the Louvre museum to the Arc de Triomphe, from strolling along the banks of the river Seine to people-watching while enjoying Paris’s cafe culture, or indulging in pastries and macarons and generally feeling like Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette… Paris really does have a lot to offer. But yet, visiting the eiffel tower is undoubtedly on every visitor’s bucket list.
On a personal note, I will never forget the magic the eiffel tower cast perhaps when I most needed it on a trip to Paris.
Visiting with my mum, we were struggling with our heavy luggage as we searched the streets for our hotel; the Paris wind was biting through our clothes and after a day of travelling, we were exhausted. And just when we felt like calling it quits and heading home, we turned a corner and there it was.
The Eiffel Tower. Sparkling in all its delight.
It was the first time either of us had seen it sparkle, and the surprise of turning a corner and having a great view of it stupefied us into silence. We watched the entire spectacle with a stranger on the same street as us, none of us saying a word, lost in our own experience.
Is the eiffel tower the greatest monument in the world?
That was over ten years ago, and on a recent trip there at a similar time of year, I can safely say, standing at the base of the eiffel tower, that that feeling of warmth and magic has stayed with me.
There are so many great monuments in the world, and just which one is the “greatest” will forever be subject to personal opinion. But I suppose that it’s little wonder that for me, with memories that will forever be etched in my mind, the eiffel tower really is the greatest monument in the world.
