Eiffel Tower is one of world's most famous sights. The 324-metre-tall iron tower attracts millions of tourists to Paris every year. It has been iconic part of Paris' skyline for 133 years. However, it is showing its age. Engineers recently conducted survey of monument. They found that its metal is full of rust. They said it is "in poor state". They added that if its designer Gustave Eiffel was alive today and saw his creation, "he would have heart attack". Engineers say there are many cracks in iron. The tower needs many repairs. A 2016 report on tower stated there were 698 faults on tower. These were serious enough to put tower's long-term future in doubt.
Construction of Eiffel Tower started in January 1887. It opened to public on the 31st of March, 1889. It was built to celebrate 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Builders needed 10,100 tons of iron to make tower. It was made from 18,000 sections and 2.5 million rivets. The original plan was for tower to be taken down after 20 years. However, French government changed its mind and kept it in place. The tower is currently being repainted ahead of 2024 Olympics. Engineers say painting the metal will not make rust problem go away. They say existing paint needs to be completely removed first. However, this will take too long and the tower would lose tourist revenue.
