DID YOU KNOW?

That the EIFFEL TOWER is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris?  It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.  Constructed in 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, it was initially criticised by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world.  The tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world: 6.98 million people ascended it in 2011.  The tower received its 250 millionth visitor in 2010.

The tower is 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building.  Its base is square, 126 metres (410 ft) on a side.  During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was build in 1930.  Due to the addition of the aerial at the top of the tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft).  Not including broadcast aerials, it is the second-tallest structure in France after the Millau Viaduct.

The tower has three levels for visitors with restaurants on the first and second levels.  The top level's upper platform is 276 metres (906 ft) above the ground, the highest accessible to the public in the European Union   Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs or lift (elevator) to the first and second levels.  The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second.  Although these is a staircase to the top level, it is usually only accessible by lift.

There is much more to be learned about this magnificent edifice in Wikipedia should you wish to check it out.  Below are: 1)  20 March 1888 .. Completion of the first level,  2) 21 August 1888 .. Completion of the second level,  3) 26 December 1888 .. Construction of the upper stage and 4) 15 March 1889 Construction of the cupola.

I wonder has anyone of you ever visited Paris and been to the top of this mighty tower?