Eiffel Tower fenced off to guard against terror attacks
A series of terror attacks since 2015 has left France on high alert and prompted officials to undertake various security upgrades. That includes enhanced security around one of the world's most recognized structures.
Setting sun over the City of Lights
The Eiffel Tower, France's most iconic symbol, is getting a wrap-around fencing that will protect the 1,063 foot (324 meters) tower from an array of potential terror attacks. The thick, bullet-proof, glass is not only intended to guard against gunfire but is supposed to be strong enough keep suicide-minded truck drivers from reaching the tower's base.
The glass and the tower
The bulletproof glass is 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) thick, and will run along at least two sides of the tower: the riverside Quai Branly boulevard and the Avenue Gustave Eiffel, which separates the tower from a park.
A metal barrier, too
Two sides of the tower are being fenced off with curved metal prongs. The fencing will be 3.24 meters high - exactly one one-hundreth of the height of the Eiffel Tower.
Tightening security in aftermath of attacks
Once upon a time tourists could walk straight up to the iconic tower without any barriers. But France remains on high alert following a series of deadly terror attacks that have killed more than 240 people since 2015.
Under construction
The construction of a bulletproof glass barrier along one side of the Eiffel Tower is part of a broader €35 million ($41 million) security project.
The tower and the glass
In addition to the new barrier, anti-terror troops patrol the tower and its surroundings. The forecourt, underneath the tower, has been protected by temporary fencing since June 2016.
Enduring appeal?
The barrier is not expected to dent tourists' enthusiasm for the iconic site. As many as 7 million people are expected to visit the Eiffel Tower in 2018.
Putting up a barrier
The security barrier, which should be completed in mid-July, is also part of a €300 million revamp of the Eiffel Tower itself. Most of the work is scheduled to be completed ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
In the beginning
The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, whose engineering company designed and built the structure from 1887-89. It initially served as the entrance to the World's Fair and marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the French Revolution.
France's most iconic symbol is getting a wrap-around fencing that will protect the 1,063 foot (324 meters) tower from an array of potential terror attacks. The thick, bullet-proof, glass is not only intended to guard against gun fire but is supposed to be strong enough keep suicide-minded truck drivers from reaching the tower's base.