Eiffel Tower Closes to Visitors

The Eiffel Tower has ceased to welcome visitors on the centenary of French engineer Gustave Eiffel's death due to a staff strike. This information was reported on the website of the Paris landmark, as conveyed by RIA Novosti.

“The Eiffel Tower is currently closed due to employee protests. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. The public square remains open and free of charge,” the announcement stated.

The Eiffel Tower was constructed at the request of the French government for the 1889 World's Fair, designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, and at that time became the tallest structure in the world. Initially, the tower was intended to be dismantled after 20 years, as many Parisians disliked its design, but over the years it has come to symbolize the capital of France.