The Tower of Babel (ca. 1600) by (Circle of) Gillis van VlackenborchGrohmann Museum at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Ever since humans clubbed together to construct the Tower of Babel, tall, sky scraping structures have been part of our architectural heritage. A fantastic way to show off building prowess, towers have been used as landmarks, places of worship, tourist attractions and antennae. To give towers the appreciation they deserve, we’re taking a moment to look at some of the most impressive tall structures around the world.
Exposition Universelle de 1900 (1900) by Neurdein FrèresThe J. Paul Getty Museum
The Eiffel Tower
We’ll start our tour with the most famous tower of all, the Eiffel Tower. Built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution, it was the centerpiece of the World’s Fair in 1889. The tower is 324m high and made almost entirely of an incredibly intricate wrought iron lattice.
Eiffel Tower
For 41 years, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest manmade structure on Earth, a title it lost when the Chrysler Building was completed in 1930. Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable emblems of France and is visited by an incredible 7 million people every year.
Tokyo Tower (2018-09-04/2018-09-04) by Jezael Melgoza
Tokyo Tower
Take one look at the Tokyo Tower and it’s clear to see its design was strongly influenced by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Built in 1958, it's 332.9m high and is painted in bold orange and white tones to comply with international air safety regulations.
Tokyo Tower
Thanks to its height and bright colors, the tower has become an important landmark in the city and attracts millions of tourists every year. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Japanese capital. And at night, the illuminated tower is one of the most eye-catching features of the Tokyo skyline.
The influence of the Eiffel Tower on the design of the Tokyo Tower is clear to see.
Italy, Tuscany, Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta, Leaning Tower of Pisa (2006-07-03) by Alexander HassensteinGetty Images
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Though it measures just 55.86m in height, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in the world. Construction of the tower began way back in 1173 when the foundations were laid. However, it took a further 199 years until the final floor and bell tower were added and the work was finished.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The tower actually began to tilt during its construction. The ground it’s built on is too soft to support the weight of the building and so it slowly began to tip. At its worst, the tower reached a tilt of 5.5 degrees. Today, thanks to restoration and remedial works, its lean measures just under 4 degrees.
House of Commons - British ParliamentCollection of the Parliaments of the European Union
The Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster boasts a number of beautiful towers, the most famous of which is the Elizabeth Tower. The tower is one of the most prominent landmarks on the River Thames and one of the most iconic sights of the English capital. Often mistakenly referred to as Big Ben, the name of the bell it houses, the Elizabeth Tower has presided over the waterway since it was built in 1859.
Palace of Westminster
The tower itself is 96m and high was built in a Neo-Gothic style. Its enormous clock measures 6.9m in diameter and Big Ben, its most famous bell, weighs in at an incredible 15.1 tons. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it’s seen by millions of visitors to London every year.
House of Commons - British ParliamentCollection of the Parliaments of the European Union
Learn more about the Palace of Westminster here.
