What do Barcelona and the Eiffel Tower have to do with each other? To answer this, one must go back in time.
Gustave Eiffel prepares himself for a big presentation proposing his massive steel tower for the upcoming world fair. He’s confident his vision of a grandiose monument to mark the entrance of the exposition will be welcomed with enthusiasm by the city’s top brass.
Contrary to his expectations, Eiffel’s proposal is met with cold eyes and unflattering comments such as ‘eyesore’ and ‘unsightly’. He leaves the meeting dejected, but not defeated.
This rumoured event took place sometime around 1883 or 1884 in the city halls of Barcelona, prior to their upcoming 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition.
You read this right. The Eiffel Tower was allegedly first proposed to be built in Barcelona, not Paris. That is what Barcelona and the Eiffel Tower have to do with each other.
The Eiffel Tower History
The Eiffel Tower was opened to the public on May 6, 1889 for the International Exposition in Paris.
Now before you criticize the decision makers in Barcelona, its important to note that the Eiffel Tower plan was accepted in Paris with some angst. Many also felt the proposed tower would be a massive eyesore. Following the conclusion of the 1889 Paris World Exposition, it was agreed the tower would be dismantled.
Perhaps some of the skeptics thought that even if the tower was a flop with the public, it would only scar the Paris skyline temporarily.
I guess that didn’t work out.
Today, the iconic Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the world, attracting some 7 million visitors per year.
Back in Barcelona
So back to Barcelona, where the Arc de Triomf (30 metres tall) ultimately marked the the entrance to the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition.
Dave & Sue at the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona
The impressive Arc de Triomf marks Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella main entrance. It is not, however, one of the main attractions in the city.
Antoni Gaudi’s unique and magnificent Sagrada Familia Basilica is of course the main iconic structure in Barcelona. Still under construction after 138 years, still with no main spire, the final completion is expected in 2026. Even so, 3 million visitors come annually.
Sagrada Familia Basilica, Barcelona
Barcelona and the Eiffel Tower in a Parallel Universe
What if a certain key decision was made differently?
The Barcelona decision makers accept Gustave Eiffel’s proposal. The Eiffel Tower is subsequently built at the Parc de la Ciutadella entrance for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition.
Following the exposition, the Barcelona Eiffel Tower remains standing. It has become an essential communications tower, and becomes the first iconic structure in Barcelona. However the tower shares this fame in later years as the Sagrada Familia Church takes form.
This makes Barcelona the premiere tourist destination in western Europe.
Barcelona and the Eiffel Tower in a Wilder Parallel Universe
Gustave Eiffel’s proposal is successful with the Barcelona top brass and the Eiffel Tower is built for the 1889 Barcelona Universal Exposition.
The Sagrada Familia is concurrently under construction with a 170 metre (558 feet) height planned, one metre lower than the highest local hill. Gaudi feels strongly that his church should not be higher than the natural topography in the area.
Gustave Eiffel of course feels differently, building the 324 metre (1,063 feet) high Eiffel Tower. This puts Gaudi in a quandary, as building the tallest structure Barcelona is his goal. The Eiffel Tower eclipses the planned height of Sagrada Familia by almost double the height.
Gaudi, upset by the rival structure, suddenly has a novel idea. He secretly meets with Gustave Eiffel and the city administration. They make a deal.
Following the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition, Gaudy purchases the Eiffel Tower ultimately incorporates it into the Sagrada Familia as the church’s main spire.
Suggested look of Eiffel Tower used as the main spire for the Sagrada Familia Alt
This Familia Sagrada Alt (High Sacred Family) Basilica becomes the most iconic structure in all western Europe (not quite what Barcelona needs to battle over-tourism).
A Digression From Eiffel Tower Facts
I know this post digresses from my usual geologic, history or nature themed posts. Articles related to the Dead Sea, peninsulas, glaciers, mountains, dinosaurs, waterfalls, fossils, crooked buildings, currents, forts, railways, wildlife crossings, temples, castles, and penguins. But hey, a little lighthearted fun and imagination isn’t so bad is it?
Can you think of any other scenarios that could have been if Barcelona had accepted the alleged Eiffel Tower proposal?
Wow, I had no idea about these historical events. I am glad the Eiffel Tower is in Paris after all, somehow I think it looks just so perfect there. I do love Barcelona, the Sagrada Família is just incredible. Interesting post:)
Gilda, well it was a rumoured event. Apparently no documentation to substantiate the story, but its fun to imagine what would be different.
I agree with you that the Sagrada Familia is incredible. Jaw-dropping amazing!!!
Wow!! that does give pause for thought. Somehow, I just don’t think Antoni Gaudi would have agreed to the idea. Gustave Eiffel did create the Pont de Ferro or Pont Eiffel in Girona, Spain as well as a couple of other structures in Spain so you never know!
Darlene, it definitely makes one think how things might have been if Gustave was a better salesman when in Barcelona!
I did find it interesting that these two construction events were taking place around the same time, so it added intrigue to the parallel universe 🙂
We didn’t have a very long stay in Barcelona, but we loved what we did see. The fact the Basilica is still “in the works” astounds me. Without the tower, would Paris have become just another city in Europe?
Very interesting factoids!
Thanks John and Susan!
Interesting … very interesting!
Thanks so much Nancy!
Wow, I learned something new. I hadn’t realized that there was an Eiffel tower at Barcelona.
Well, although there isn’t an Eiffel Tower in Barcelona, there might have been if the Barcelona decision makers had a different view of the proposed structure.
Dave (Hubby)
I also had no idea of this history…fascinating and I appreciate you sharing this!!
My pleasure Kirt. It was a surprise to hear the story while we were on our cycling tour.
Hello.
Thank you for this history lesson! Many years ago, Sagrada Familia Church was made of ice! 🙂
Happy and safe travels!
Sartenada,
Made of ice? Where was that ice sculpture built. Amazing!
Pretty interesting Eiffel tower history. So interesting that initially people thought it was such an eyesore initially. Just shows how much perceptions can change over time. Clearly. I was not aware of another one in Barcelona. But there you guys are… right in front of it! 🙂
Peta
Peta,
I know! Right behind us and we didn’t even notice 🙂
It is quite amazing to think many people thought the Eiffel Tower was going to be disliked by the population.
That’s fascinating – I didn’t realize the connection. And your ‘parallel universe’ pictures gave me a smile – well done! 🙂
Thanks Diane,
It was fun creating the parallel universe images. Good way to hone my skills with PaintShop!
Wow this is great… I was having no idea about this history… Your detailed blog is fantastic, Sue.
Regards
Madhu
Thank you Madhu. It was an intriguing story we were given from our cycling guide. I had fun imagining the rest!
I am a bit under the weather, so it took me a minute or two to get what I was reading, lol.
Amy, I hope you’re starting to feel better. Glad I could give you some light humour to read 🙂
I had absolutely no idea about this fascinating history. Amazing to think that this symbol of Paris was a rejected symbol of Spain. Also inspirational. If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again. Can you imagine if Eiffel had said to himself, “The committee at Barcelona is right. I suck. I’m going to scrap this crazy idea and go back to railroads.’
How did you do those cool parallel universe photos? Each one of the images rocks!
Thanks Lisa,
I too had no idea of this story until we were at the location that presumably was proposed for the Barcelona Eiffel Tower!
It is intriguing to think about the ‘what-if’ scenarios.
I used Corel Paintshop to create the images. It’s always a learning process for me 🙂
Interesting information about Barcelona and Paris, Dave, and their parallel universes. Funny to think that the Eiffel Tower was originally considered an eyesore, as it goes with so many human structures when they are first introduced. The Golden Gate Bridge was fiercely fought. Fun post. And great photos.
Thanks Jet! I imagine the initial opposition to the Eiffel Tower faded away as people realized it was actually quite popular with visitors and brought in more tourists into Paris. I didn’t know there was big opposition to the Golden Gate Bridge, however lots of folks are resistant to changes and takes awhile to accept those changes.
Dave (Hubby)