Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Eiffel Tower, an enduring symbol of Paris, France, stands as one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, a world's fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design but has since become a beloved icon of French creativity and ingenuity.

Rising 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. It consists of 18,038 metallic parts, held together by 2.5 million rivets, and was originally intended as a temporary exhibit but was saved by its popularity and the practical uses it served for radio transmission purposes.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is not only a major tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire its unique, lattice-like structure and the panoramic views of Paris it offers from its three levels, but it is also a symbol of modernity and a beacon of inspiration for architects and engineers worldwide.

Visitors can ascend by elevator, or for those wishing for a more strenuous experience, by stairs to its second floor. Each level offers unique vistas and experiences, from dining in its restaurants to viewing exhibitions about its history. The topmost viewing platform, at a dizzying height of over 900 feet, provides a sweeping outlook over the rooftops of Paris, giving those who reach it a sense of the city's layout and grandeur.

By night, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated by 20,000 light bulbs, making it a breathtaking sight that can be seen from many points in the city, further embedding it in the cultural and emotional landscape of Paris. This illumination, which sparkles every hour on the hour after sunset, adds to the tower's enchantment, making it a poignant reminder of Paris' nickname, "the City of Light."