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