Google brings a City of Light icon to your computer

Work on the Eiffel Tower began in 1887 and was completed two years later. It was originally intended to stand for just 20 years, but the iron lattice construction has remained as a symbol of the country ever since. The monument stands 324.00 meters in height overlooking the European city.

Now Google, as it is wont to do, has decided that the massive structure needs a digital home. "The Google Cultural Institute and the Eiffel Tower Operating Company have teamed up to create three immersive online exhibitions which blend fascinating historical material with a sprinkling of technological magic. In order to capture the imagery, the Street View team followed", says Mark Yoshitake, Head of Product and User Experience for Google Cultural Institute.

The new release not only includes Street View images, like those the team has carried out in museums and national parks around the world, but also a good deal more. To complement those current pictures, the search giant throws in archival images depicting the history of this icon of Paris.

"The first exhibition presents the birth of the Eiffel Tower from the initial idea until its realization. You can then follow the construction of the monument step-by-step through photos and sketches. Details on the inauguration and the first visitors lie in the third exhibition, with photos of people admiring the Paris vista on the opening day leading into today’s Street View imagery from the top floor", Google announces.

As for the current imagery, users can head over to Street View to get a look at the most-visited paid monument in the world. It is truly a magnificent sight, and one of many that reside within the borders of the French capital.