It’s hard to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, but this world-famous landmark was initially proposed for Barcelona instead!
In the 1880s, French engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team designed the iron tower for the 1888 Universal Exposition in Barcelona.
The structure was meant to showcase modern engineering and technological advancement.
However, the Barcelona city officials rejected the project, believing it was too expensive, unattractive, and impractical.
Undeterred, Eiffel presented his design to Paris, where it was approved for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair).
Despite initial criticism from many artists and intellectuals who called it an "ugly monstrosity," the Eiffel Tower became an engineering marvel and an enduring symbol of France.
Originally, the Eiffel Tower was meant to be dismantled after 20 years, but its value as a radio transmission tower saved it.
Today, it stands as one of the most visited and recognizable landmarks in the world.
Had Barcelona accepted the design, the Eiffel Tower might have reshaped its skyline instead of Paris!