Gustave Eiffel was named the 'Magician of Iron' when he created this temporary structure way back in 1889. It was only supposed to stand for 20 years but it's still standing. A symbol of love, peace and hope, I'm sure Gustave would applaud the awesome twinkling light show which happens every evening when darkness falls which quite honestly, keeps his magic alive. I can only marvel at the amazing design skills required to create such stunningly, beautiful curves.
From someone who took an instant dislike to history in her first year of high school, and failed her history exam consistently every year after... I now find the history of such iconic structures fascinating. What bored me to tears then, now enthralls me. Prepare to be enthralled... the design for this gigantic monument was unanimously selected from 700 proposals to symbolise the centennial of French Revolution. Built as the entrance arch to the Paris Exhibition, it's fair to say that the Parisians weren't that fond of it from the start. They considered it to be an eyesore. But in the first year of the exhibition, it's true value as a tourist magnet was realised when it was visited by over 2 million visitors in 1889. With the money rolling in, the tower quickly became a national symbol of France. It is now the most visited paid monument in the world! Well done Eiffel...!
Who could believe that in 1909 it was due to be demolished? The lease on the land it stands on had expired and it was only saved from the bulldozers by the fact that it was being used as a radio transmission antenna. A little known fact is that Eiffel originally planned to build the tower in Barcelona but the spaniards thought it was strange and expensive so turned it down. A year later the design was accepted by the French and the rest as they say, is history... and I love it!
Did you know..? Our Eiffel was a talented chap. His skills as a phenomenal structural engineer were exactly what was required when it came to building the one and only, 'Statue of Liberty.' Designer, Bartholdi, needed someone who could take on the challenge of designing the massive iron pylon on which the lady now stands. Hence the reason why there is a quarter scale bronze model of Lady Liberty standing alongside the Seine, 2km north of the Eiffel tower.
No comments:
Post a Comment