The Eiffel Tower grew 6 metres (19.69 ft) on Tuesday after a new digital radio antenna was attached to the top of the Paris monument.
The tower, built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, now measures 330 metres after the DAB+ (digital audio) antenna was airlifted onto its peak by helicopter under a leaden sky. A helicopter flies next to the Eiffel Tower to install a new telecom transmission TDF antenna on its top, March 15, 2022. [Reuters]
During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for four decades until the Chrysler Building in New York City was topped off in 1929.
The wrought-iron lattice tower is among the most visited tourist sites in the world, according to TripAdvisor.
READ MORE
Senegal president says France should close military bases
France 'must apologise' for WWII Senegal massacre, says victim's son
It's time to listen to the youth in climate talk
Setback as Africa calls for trillions for mitigation efforts
Workers inside a helicopter install a new telecom transmission TDF antenna on the top of the Eiffel Tower, March 15, 2022. [Reuters]
It has, however, also been used for broadcast transmissions for more than 100 years, with the height of its pinnacle changing numerous times as ageing antennas were replaced.
Live television images showed the helicopter lowering the antenna onto its base atop the tower, where workmen made it secure in an operation that lasted less than 10 minutes.
