The Eiffel Tower, including the spire, is 324 m ( 1063 feet) tall.

A world wide symbol of both Paris and France,  construction on the tower began in 1887, and was completed in 1889. The tower was originally built as one of the exhibits in the Paris World Fair of 1889.

The man behind the tower was Alexander Gustave Eiffel. It was originally built for and entered into a contest that had been organized by the French Government. The Eiffel Tower won the contest with over more than 700 other entries. Upon completion, the Tower was not universally popular. In fact, there were many who were opposed to it and considered it be an eyesore. Among those who felt this way were, Alexander Dumas, Charles Garnier, Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier and Charles Gounod.

According to the terms of the contest, the tower would have to be taken down in 1909 or ownership of the tower would be transferred to the city. The city of Paris seriously considered dismantling the tower because it was in major need of renovations.  Ultimately, the city ended up deciding that the tower would remain and be renovated despite the cost. The decision was made in part due to its value as a communications tower.

Fortunately, the tower has remained and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Over the years, millions of people have visited the famous structure. The tower has also been duplicated, in many different places around the globe including, Disney World Epcot Center, Paris Texas, Las Vegas, Denmark, Shenzhen Chima, Slobozia Romania and Parizh Russia.