When did the Eiffel Tower open to the public? Six things you didn't know about the iconic structure

The enormous metallic structure is now a globally recognised, iconic piece of architecture.

To mark the unveiling of the Tower which has become a symbol of love and Parisian elegance, Google is featuring a Doodle by illustrator Floriane Marchix on its homepage today.

In honour of the Eiffel Tower, here are six things you didn’t know about it.

Google Doodles

It’s named after its engineer

Opened by French premier Pierre Tirard on 31 March 1889, the Eiffel Tower is named after civil engineer Gustave Eiffel. The feat of turning architect Stephen Sauvestre’s vision into reality earned Eiffel the nickname “the magician of iron”.