15 Shocking Facts: Guess this Iconic Structure

Before you scroll down further can you guess to which iconic structure this riveted joint belongs?

Engineering Facts

Here are the first set of clues to name this Iconic structure –

  • This iconic structure is made of iron and weighs around 10000 tonnes.
  • It has 18,000 metallic parts, joined together by 2.5 million rivets.
  • Each part specifically designed and traced out to an accuracy of a tenth of a mm.
  • Construction of this mammoth structure took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days.
  • 50 tonnes of paint are needed every 7 years to protect it from rust.

Eiffel Tower 15 Shocking Facts structure with riveted joints

Flight and Fatality – Shocking Facts

Observe this second picture – This arched portion is a part of the iconic landmark. I hope you will share the guesses you have made till now. Here are some more clues to make it easier for you to guess.

  • This arch was originally built as the entrance arch for the World’s Fair in 1889.
  • A number of aviators have flown aircraft under the arches. Sadly in 1926 Leon Collet was killed after a failed attempt.
  • Franz Reichelt killed himself when trying to test his design for a parachute.
  • German soldiers climbed the tower and hoisted a swastika over it which got blown away only hours later.

Eiffel Tower 15 Shocking Facts Arches

Facts and Fun Facts

Another set of clues

  • Statue of the man who built this is placed beside the grand structure. Are you able to recognize him?
  • The names of people who contributed to making this grand landmark of the city are engraved on the side of the tower – 72 engineers, scientists and mathematicians.
  • This iconic structure is married! Erika La Tour fell in love with this structure and married it in 2007!
  • This giant structure of iron was sold twice by a con artist to scrap metal dealers before he fled to US to avoid arrest.

Do not scroll down without making a guess, hope you are not cheating. 😉

Gustave Eiffel who built the ET

Last couple of clues

  • This is the topmost portion of the icon.
  • The French call it – La Tour Eiffel.

It is easy now!

Top most portion of ET

Eiffel Tower 15 Shocking Facts

15 shocking facts of Eiffel Tower in Paris France.

Yes you are right! This is the famous Eiffel Tower! Let me know in comments which fact gave you the answer.

You can’t leave Paris without seeing this major landmark attraction. Wherever you are in the city of Paris the tower will keep a watch on you. The statue is of Gustave Eiffel whose company was in charge of the project of making it.

Such is the charm of this iconic structure that it has been replicated in several other cities. The nearest replica, scaled to one third, I saw was in The Parisian Hotel Macao.

Pin this for later…

Shocking Facts Eiffel Tower France

This post was first published on 18th April 2013.
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30 Responses to “15 Shocking Facts: Guess this Iconic Structure

  • I guessed because of the steel structure. But the facts were a surprise to me

  • Fun post.
    The featured picture — the second picture in the post made me guess it was Eiffel Tower. Something told me those details would be right for that iconic structure. 🙂
    My, My!! Sold to scrap dealers? Married too? 🙂 Such FUN facts, Indrani. 🙂

  • This is such an engaging way of writing a post!! I hope I get to see this beautiful structure in person some day 🙂

  • Lovely Divine blue skies!
    Great shots, Indrani:)

  • Wow, I certainly learned a lot here, Indrani, far more than I learned when we were in Paris a couple of years ago. A fabulous Skywatch post!
    K

  • Enjoyed the sky views. Have a great weekend!

  • A fun post Indrani and great pictures, thank you 🙂

  • At the very first pic, I thought it was Howrah Bridge. Just thought about it, because you were touring in Kolkatta. With the 2nd photo of Gustav, I recognised it's Eiffel! The one, and probably only reason I loved Paris! Beautiful pics!

  • Indrani, beautiful shot of the tower. It is a famous landmark. Happy Skywatching!

  • Thanks for the clues. The Tower is an Engineering marvel, standing unmatched. Nice pic.

  • I guessed it, ha ha.

  • Interesting ! 🙂

  • I had to take all four:(

  • beautifully presented

  • Good one. I could guess it right since you had been traveling in the area.

  • Lovely captures. Was there a couple of weeks back. Was a rainy day!

  • Just to add, this tower was built as an entrance arch for the world fair back then in 1889.

  • Oui! I got it too. 🙂

  • Thanks for the clues. The Eiffel Tower is a place I must visit someday. Happy Sky Watch!!

  • Ah! she's just beautiful … and to think they were going to dismantle this magnificent structure after the exhibition. I can't imagine Paris without her.

    "All Things French"

  • the first photo did not make it clear to me. i thought it was the san francisco bay bridge, the rivets seem to be similar and i've taken quite a few pictures of the bridge. i really thought you were here. buzz me if you are in the sf bay area. i'd love to meet you.

  • I like the way you showed the details as well as the full view of the Eiffel Tower. The statue also looks great against the vivid blue sky.

  • I had to see three pictures before I correctly guessed the structure. Although the last photo is magnificent, I really like your pictures of the details.

  • Glad you all could guess. 🙂
    And Nisha I thought some would guess as Howrah bridge.

  • I have been there but couldn't guess by looking at the first photo. I thought something from Bengal. 😛

    Looks like Paris should be my agenda again. 🙂

  • Ah, it is awesome!! It was one of the places that made my trip to Paris so incredible! Your photos are marvelous as always, Indrani!! Have a lovely weekend!

  • It's easy to guess! anyhow nice photos 🙂

  • A beautiful way of introducing the great structure.You won't believe me whenI say I guessed after the first picture because it was a steel structure.
    I have seen many times from the plane

  • I guessed after the first photo. I was there only two weeks ago. Lovely pics!

    We didn't go up to the viewing platform though as the queues were so long.

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