You’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, but have you ever truly discovered it?

The Eiffel Tower is a part of us in some way—through phone or smart gadget wallpaper or even as a showpiece. It is always there somewhere physically, virtually, or even mentally in our bucket list. Why not? It’s the Eiffel Tower, a tower that lets everyone skip their heartbeat.

 We know various things about this elite structure, where it is situated, its importance, and what it means to the world—not only for France as a country but also in terms of culture, architecture, and landmarks that represent the global level.      
                           
But do you know the Eiffel Tower is a gem of hidden secrets, facts that don’t blow your mind but leave you astonishment. Yes, it’s a story, heritage and history that would change the way you look up to this picturesque landmark.

Here are the Top 10 facts about Eiffel Towers that you hardly ever heard about.

1. The Eiffel Tower Was Never Meant to Stay Forever

Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary installation for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to celebrate 100 years of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel himself only had a 20-year permit to keep the tower standing. After that, it was supposed to be taken down. However, when it proved useful as a military radio transmission tower, it earned its permanent place on the Paris skyline. What was once considered an “eyesore” by critics is now one of the most famous landmarks in the world. That twist of fate saved an icon from disappearing forever.

2. The Tower Grows Taller in Summer

Nature plays an unexpected role in the tower’s height. Thanks to thermal expansion, the Eiffel Tower can grow up to 15 cm (about 6 inches) during the hot Parisian summer. The iron structure expands as temperatures rise and contracts again in the winter. It’s a subtle, yet fascinating reminder of how architecture and physics dance together. Most visitors have no idea the tower isn’t the same height year-round. So next time you visit during summer, you’re technically seeing a taller Eiffel Tower than winter travelers!

3. Gustave Eiffel Didn’t Design the Tower Himself

While Gustave Eiffel’s name is forever attached to the monument, the original design wasn’t actually his. Two of his engineers—Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier—conceived the initial sketch, and architect Stephen Sauvestre refined it. Eiffel, however, believed in their vision so strongly that he backed the project financially and became its public face. That’s why it’s called the Eiffel Tower—not the Koechlin-Nouguier Tower. Eiffel’s smart branding and business sense helped immortalize the monument under his name.

4. It Was Once Painted Bright Yellow

The Eiffel Tower hasn’t always worn its current bronze-brown coat. Over the decades, it has been repainted nearly 20 times in various shades—ranging from Venetian red to mustard yellow! In 1889, during its early days, it sported a reddish hue. Then came the controversial bright yellow period in the early 20th century. Its current shade, known as “Eiffel Tower Brown,” was selected to blend seamlessly with the Paris skyline. The tower is repainted every 7 years, requiring about 60 tons of paint!

5. A Con Artist Sold the Eiffel Tower—Twice!

In a scam that sounds like something out of a movie, conman Victor Lustig managed to “sell” the Eiffel Tower for scrap metal—not once, but twice. Posing as a government official in 1925, Lustig convinced wealthy businessmen that the city couldn’t afford its maintenance and was planning to dismantle it. His fake deal earned him a hefty sum, and he fled. Emboldened by success, he even tried the same trick a second time! This notorious scam is still one of the boldest in history and adds a surprising twist to the tower’s legacy.

6. There’s a Hidden Apartment at the Top

Tucked away at the top of the Eiffel Tower is a secret apartment built by Gustave Eiffel himself. Unlike the luxurious suites we think of today, it’s modest in size and design, yet was once the envy of many Parisians. Eiffel used this space to entertain guests, including Thomas Edison, and to conduct scientific experiments in peace. Today, the apartment has been restored and is open for viewing, featuring wax figures of Eiffel and Edison. It’s a hidden gem that adds depth to the already fascinating structure.

7. Over 500 Workers, Zero Fatalities During Construction

Constructed between 1887 and 1889, the Eiffel Tower involved more than 500 workers assembling 18,000 iron parts with 2.5 million rivets. What’s even more remarkable is that there were no deaths during its construction—an extraordinary feat at a time when worker safety was not as advanced as today. This was largely due to Eiffel’s strict safety protocols and innovative engineering methods. It stands as a tribute not only to architecture but also to responsible construction practices of the era.

8. The Eiffel Tower Sparkles Every Hour After Dark

Every evening, the Eiffel Tower transforms into a glittering masterpiece. Starting at sunset, the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour, thanks to 20,000 twinkling lights that cover its structure. This magical display was first introduced during the millennium celebrations in 2000 and has since become one of Paris’s most loved experiences. The sparkling show is a favorite among photographers, couples, and tourists. It’s arguably the most romantic way to experience the City of Lights.

9. It Was Once the Tallest Structure in the World

When it was unveiled in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stood at 300 meters (984 feet), making it the tallest man-made structure in the world. It held that title for 41 years, until it was surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. Despite no longer being the tallest, it remains one of the most iconic architectural marvels in human history. Today, including its antenna, the tower stands at 330 meters (1,083 feet), maintaining its dominance over the Paris skyline.

10. It’s One of the Most Visited Monuments on Earth

With over 7 million visitors annually, the Eiffel Tower ranks as one of the most-visited paid monuments in the world. Since opening to the public, it has welcomed over 300 million visitors from around the globe. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, or winter, the experience remains unforgettable. And despite long lines, tourists consistently rate it as a must-do while in Paris. Its popularity only seems to grow with time, proving its universal appeal.

Visiting Paris has always been a dream for each one of us. It’s a city where every corner whisper elegance, and no symbol captures that charm better than the Eiffel Tower. From its secret apartment and infamous scams to its summer height changes and dazzling light displays, this iron beauty tells a story far beyond what meets the eye.

So, when you finally set foot in Paris, make it a point to see the Eiffel Tower—not just as a tourist attraction, but as a living chapter of history, science, and art. Because from now on, you won’t just see the Eiffel Tower… you’ll Eiffel it from a whole new point of view.

Till then Happy Sundaying!