The Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower was opened in 1889. Since then it was not accepted by all, and people gave petitions and protested. But building was set. From 700 proposals one design was chosen: of the French construction engineer Alexandre Gustare Eiffel who was assisted by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier and architect Stephen Sanvestre. Eiffel gave the building its cansual look with three platforms. On the first platform is a restaurant, the Jules Verne is on the second platform and the top platform has got a bar, souvenir shop and the office of Gustave Eiffel. From its platform - especially the topmost - the view upon Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset the panorama is at its best. Work on The Eiffel Tower first started in 1887 and took two years, two months and five days. The prince of Wales, later king Edward VII of England, opened the Tower. The total cost of the building was over 7.8 mln francs!!!($1.5 mln), total weight - 8.56 milion kg ( 9441 tons ) and the height with television antenna: 320.755 meters. It was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna - used for telegraphy at that time. Super Skyscrapers erected since 1960, such as the World Trade Center, were constucted in much the same way. However difficult its birth may have been the Eiffel Tower is now completely accepted by French citizens, and is internationally recognized as one of the symbols of Paris itself. Today the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous building in the world. It is watched by over two million people every year. If you want to be in restaurant , you will need to book in advance - the seats are hard to get and they're very expensive! But whether you go to a restaurant or not, a visit to Paris wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is one of the great sights of Paris and shouldn't be missed.