The Eiffel Tower, or "La Dame de Fer" (The Iron Lady), is one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

Millions of people visit it annually, gazing up in awe at its towering structure.

But beyond its glittering lights and breathtaking views, there are secrets and stories hidden in its iron bones that most people don't know. Here are some fascinating facts and lesser-known tales about the Eiffel Tower.

Wind Resistance and Flexibility

Though made of iron, the Eiffel Tower is surprisingly flexible. The entire structure can sway slightly in the wind. This flexibility is essential to its survival, as it allows the tower to withstand strong winds without cracking or breaking.

On particularly windy days, the tower can sway up to 3.5 inches, though this movement is so slight that visitors rarely notice. The tower's design was so ahead of its time that it inspired future skyscrapers and structures worldwide.

The Color Wasn't Always Brown

Many of us associate the Eiffel Tower with its distinctive bronze hue, but its color has changed several times throughout history. Originally, the tower was reddish-brown. Then, in the early 1900s, it was painted a yellowish color called "Venetian Red." Today's color, known as "Eiffel Tower Brown," was chosen in 1968. The tower gets repainted every seven years to keep it looking fresh and to prevent rust, which can cause the iron to deteriorate.

A Hidden Apartment at the Top

Imagine living in an apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower! Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed the tower, built himself a small private apartment on the third level, 1,000 feet above the ground.

This secret apartment was not open to the public for many years and was used by Eiffel to entertain important guests like Thomas Edison. The space is now on display to visitors, complete with wax figures of Eiffel and Edison inside.

An Ice Rink on the Second Floor

In winter, the Eiffel Tower offers an unusual attraction—a small ice rink on the second floor, 187 feet above the ground. From here, visitors can lace up their skates and glide along the ice with Paris's rooftops below them. This unique experience is not widely known and adds a magical element to an already iconic location.

Height Adjustments

Most people think the Eiffel Tower stays the same height year-round, but this isn't true. Due to thermal expansion, the iron tower actually "grows" in the summer! When temperatures rise, the metal expands, and the tower becomes about six inches taller. In the winter, it "shrinks" back down to its original height. So, the Eiffel Tower's exact height can vary depending on when you visit.

A Major Influence on Culture

Beyond its role as an architectural marvel, the Eiffel Tower has been featured in countless films, novels, and songs. It has become a symbol of romance, freedom, and innovation. Some famous appearances include movies like Midnight in Paris and The Da Vinci Code. In literature, it's been referenced by authors from Marcel Proust to Ernest Hemingway. The Eiffel Tower has truly cemented its place in both French culture and the world's imagination.

The Secret "Number One" Attraction

Though it's often referred to as the most visited paid monument in the world, many don't know that the Eiffel Tower is also the most photographed! But beyond just capturing its beauty from the ground, thousands of tourists climb to its upper decks each day to snap stunning panoramas of Paris. The views from the top offer an unparalleled perspective of the city's landscape, and it's no wonder visitors flock here year after year.

The Eiffel Tower is not just a pretty monument; it has served as a hub for science, communication, and history. The next time you visit this iconic structure, you'll know there's much more beneath the surface than meets the eye.