Eiffel Tower Height – Paris's Iron Lady
The Eiffel Tower reaches 1,083 feet (330 meters) to the tip of its antenna, standing as the defining symbol of Paris and one of the world's most visited monuments. Built for the 1889 World's Fair, this wrought-iron lattice tower held the title of world's tallest man-made structure for 41 years and revolutionized architectural possibilities with metal construction.
Eiffel Tower Quick Facts
- Total Height: 1,083 feet (330 meters) with antenna
- Original Height: 1,024 feet (312 meters) without antenna
- Location: Champ de Mars, Paris, France
- Completed: 1889
- Architectural Style: Iron lattice structure
- Three Levels: 187 ft, 377 ft, and 906 ft
Revolutionary Iron Construction
The Eiffel Tower's 1,083-foot height represented an unprecedented achievement in 19th-century engineering. Gustave Eiffel's design utilized 18,038 metallic parts joined by 2.5 million rivets, creating a structure that was simultaneously massive and elegant. The tower's four curved legs converge through progressively smaller platforms, distributing weight efficiently while creating the iconic silhouette recognized worldwide. The lattice framework allows wind to pass through, reducing wind load—crucial for a structure of this height and era.
Construction took just two years, two months, and five days, an remarkable feat considering the technology available in the 1880s. The iron framework weighs approximately 10,100 tons, yet the pressure on the ground is equivalent to a person sitting in a chair. The tower was initially criticized by Parisian artists and intellectuals but has since become the world's most recognizable architectural icon, representing French culture and engineering excellence.
Three Levels of Experience
The Eiffel Tower offers three public levels at different heights. The first level at 187 feet features glass floors, exhibition spaces, and restaurants. The second level at 377 feet provides the most popular viewing platform with optimal perspectives of Paris landmarks. The summit at 906 feet—accessible via elevator—offers panoramic views extending up to 50 miles on clear days. The topmost antenna section, added in 1957, extended the total height to 1,083 feet.
Comparison to Other Tall Structures
| Structure | Height | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| CN Tower | 1,815 ft (553 m) | 732 feet taller |
| Tokyo Tower | 1,092 ft (333 m) | 9 feet taller |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft (330 m) | Icon of Paris |
| Washington Monument | 555 ft (169 m) | 528 feet shorter |
Related Tall Structures
Explore heights of other iconic landmarks: Tokyo Tower, The Shard, Arc de Triomphe, Big Ben, and Statue of Liberty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower stands at 1,083 feet (330 meters) including its antenna. The original structure without antenna measured 1,024 feet (312 meters) when completed in 1889.
Was the Eiffel Tower the tallest structure when built?
Yes, the Eiffel Tower was the world's tallest man-made structure from 1889 until 1930, when it was surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City.
How many steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
There are 1,665 steps from ground level to the top, though visitors can only climb stairs to the second level (674 steps). Access to the summit requires an elevator.
Does the Eiffel Tower's height change?
Yes, the iron structure can expand up to 6 inches taller in summer heat due to thermal expansion, and can sway up to 3 inches in strong winds.
Why was the Eiffel Tower built?
The tower was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and showcasing French engineering prowess.