Sara Collantes: The French "Iron Maiden"

A few days ago, in late March, one of the most recognizable symbols of modern architecture in Europe turned 125. I mean, the most praised Parisian inhabitant, the Eiffel Tower of course. This magnificent iron structure is an iconic landmark, not only for Paris itself but for the whole France.

L'exposition universelle 1889 

Conceived as the imposing gateway for the 1889 World’s Fair in honour of the centenary of the French Revolution, it was originally condemned to be dismantled after 20 years (just like the other constructions built specifically for the exhibition); but in 1903 the French Army placed a transmitting antenna on the top, which was absolutely essential during the Great War, changing its fate forever. Because of its great value for communication, it was allowed to stand and now we all can admire its slender fragility and cold beauty.

Mr G. Eiffel proudly poses at the stairs

Nowadays we can’t even imagine the City of Light without its Eiffel Tower. We can only picture the skyline of Paris, with the worldwide known tower patiently dominating the whole town. As Guy de Maupassant said, “the tower is the one place in Paris where the tower is not visible”. Take the case of the films. No matter in which hotel the lead actor is staying, they’ll always open a great double-door balcony with breathtaking views of the Tower. But the Big Lady hasn’t always been there. There was a time when its construction was the target of criticism and heated discussion between artists and intellectuals, on one side of the wrestling ring, and engineers on the other.

The dispute between architects and engineers goes a long way back. Since the appearance of the so-called iron architecture in the 1800s, which came as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the purpose of new constructions turned into a more social role. Engineering and new materials were now at the service of a new concept of architecture, which opposed the traditional train of thought. And so then, the Eiffel Tower symbolized the “grandeur of the science and French engineering”. 

Even before the beginning of its construction in 1887, it was surrounded by a unbreathable atmosphere of distrust and controversy among prominent figures of the world of literature and art. They defended their opinions tooth and nail and left proof of their common disagreement in a scathing announcement:

“We, writers, painters, sculptors, architects and passionate

devotees of the hitherto untouched beauty of Paris, protest with all

our strength, with all our indignation, in the name of slighted French

taste, against the erection of this useless and monstrous

Eiffel Tower...” 

Le Temps, 14 February 1887.

A view of Trocadero

Rather than the massive structure, its daring excessive shape or the pointless of its use, the major concern they had was if it was even feasible to be erected. These personalities thought that the tower would collapse before it had been completed or, provided it didn’t, they were sure that Gustav Eiffel would look ridiculous in view of the misunderstanding and astonishment by the attendees of the World’s Fair. But the result was completely different, and the Tower was a smashing success since two million people had climbed to the top by the end of the exhibition.

I was tremendously lucky to walk up the tower, even though only to the second floor. I was only 9, so I can’t remember much of the experience, but what I do remember clearly is standing on tiptoe just to be able to see over the railing how vast Paris was in a bird’s eye view. I was astonished to see how countless buildings spread out as far as the eye could see. And at night it was absolutely awesome, a real dream of light.

To finish, just one infantile yet equally enlightening question: when playing Pictionary, if you are supposed to draw Paris, what is the first thing that springs to mind? Think of it, mon amis!

The Eiffel Tower in numbers:

Height: 324m

Weight: 10.100 tones

Foundations depth: 15 m

Steps: 1.710

Iron pieces: 18.038

Rivets: 2.5 million

Light bulbs: 20.000

Lifts: 9

Construction time: 2 years, 2 months, 5 days

Painting time lapse: every 7 years

Highest building from 1889 to 1930 (when the Chrysler Building in NY took over)

Such a fantastic post - as well as the photos and the great video - , dear Sara! 

Who can deny the lure of the City of Light, the ever so romantic Paris. I'm sure if you guys have been to the French capital yourselves you will find it really hard to choose just the one spot that sticks to mind, but surely the majestic iron structure will undoubtedly be in the top five, won't it? 

When we went to Paris (I mean, my wife and kids and myself) and I first saw the Tower in the distance, I thought it didn't look as high as its huge proportions would obviously indicate, but how wrong I was! Only when I stood at the very top of it, did I realise how mesmerizingly amazing the view is!

So I suddenly remembered I took some (to my modest mind) fantastic photos on my Pentax. Truth be told, it was rather easy to do so, as we were extremely fortunate that the weather was gorgeous, simply spectacular, that glorious day we had booked the tickets online to get to the top. So hey, I just decided I wanted to share with you this link. Hope you like the pics! 

If any of you guys have also been to Paris, would you indeed like to share your memories? ...