Travelmaniac Paris photos

The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen. It took 2 years (1887-1889) and 300 steel workers to construct the tower.

It was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna - used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature.


At 300 meters (984 feet), 320m. (1052 feet) including antenna, and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930. Height varies up to 15 cm (5.91 inches) depending on the temperature.	The 12,000 steel girders (15,000 pieces of steel total) are held together by 2.5 million rivets to produce a smooth, curving profile. Sway of at most 12 cm (4.75 inches) in high winds.	There are three floors. The first floor is at 57 meters (187 feet)., the second at 115m. (377 feet), and the third at 276m. (905 feet). There are 1652 steps to the top.


The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, for the glorification of his Grande Armée, was not finished until 1836. There are four huge bas relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These commemorate: The Triumph of 1810; The Resistance of 1814; The Peace of 1815; and The Departure of the Volunteers in 1792, more commonly known by the name La Marseillaise.


Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods.	The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are to found on the inside walls.	Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame commemorating the dead of the two world wars.

The construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII. The idea to replace the Romanesque church occupying the site (founded in 528), was that of Bishop Maurice de Sully. The choir was completed in 1182, the nave in 1208, and the west front and towers circa 1225 to 1250. A series of chapels were added to the nave during the period 1235-50, and during 1296-1330 to the apse. The transept crossings were built in 1250-67. Construction was completed roughly 200 years later in about 1345. It was essentially completed according to the original plans.


The reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV saw significant alterations of Notre-Dame de Paris including the destruction of tombs and stained glass. At the end of the 18th century, during the Revolution, many of the treasures of the cathedral were either destroyed or plundered. The church interior was used as a warehouse for the storage of forage and food.	After falling into disrepair, a restoration program for Notre Dame de Paris was carried out in 1845. This program lasted 23 years, and included the construction of the spire and the sacristy. More recent in 1991, the latest restoration program began, 10 years of general maintenance and restoration.