The Eiffel Tower Just Grew 20 Feet Taller

Image via Sociéte d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel

The most iconic symbol of the City of Love is also a driving force behind some of the communications that spark love. The one-time tallest structure made by man was first topped with antennas and meteorology equipment in 1924, thereon serving as a beacon for broadcast transmissions.

On March 15, the landmark had a 20-foot growth spurt, thanks to a new digital radio antenna that authorities have planted at its pinnacle. The addition takes its height to a total of 1,082.68 feet.

The move might not faze some members of the public, but the committee behind the tower deems it to be a moment to remember in history. Jean-François Martins, president of the organizers of the Eiffel Tower, told the Associated Press that the addition of the new communications antenna is significant because it “is not so common” for the Eiffel Tower to grow.

The last time height was added to the Eiffel Tower was over two decades ago, in 2000, with the installation of an Ultra High-Frequency antenna.

The brand-new antenna will boost digital radio coverage for the city as well as the Île-de-France region, say officials of the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of the structures that are sending broadcast transmissions to some 12 million people within a radius of about 50 miles from the landmark.

A helicopter helped lift the antenna to the top of the tower, and you can watch the remarkable feat below.

[via Architectural Digest and Robb Report, cover image via Sociéte d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel]