These photos of the world’s most visited monument are reminiscent of a proud parent’s album detailing her child’s growth. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel for Paris’ 1889 World’s Fair, the iron Tower was one of the world’s first tall structures to contain elevators. The city revised plans to tear it down 20 years after its construction, when its broadcasting tower became invaluable for communication. Originally criticized by many as an eyesore, the graceful 1,063-foot tower is now an acclaimed structural artwork that earned Eiffel the nickname “Magician of Iron.”

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