Eiffel Tower

Originally created as the centrepiece of Paris’ Exposition Universelle in 1889, in commemoration of the centenary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower went on to become the centrepiece of the city itself and a global icon of France.

The tower that has become symbolic of Paris the world over weighs 10,100 tonnes (990 tons) and contains 18,000 pieces of iron, held together by 2,500,000 rivets. At 324m (888ft) high, it was, until 1929, the tallest structure in the world; although that record was broken many years ago, there are still superb views over Paris from the first floor, which can be reached by a stairway, and even better views from the third floor, which is accessible by lift.