When work began on the Eiffel Tower, 125 years ago, many Parisians were far from enamoured, describing it as a useless monstrosity that robbed the French capital of its beauty.
But as the Paris landmark marks the 125th anniversary of its construction - launched on January 26, 1887 - such reservations have long been forgotten.
Built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle - a world fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution - the tower was originally meant to stand for 20 years, after which time it was to be dismantled.
However, the wrought iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars survived thanks to its communications value, and went on to become one of the world's most popular monuments, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Nicknamed “la dame de fer” (the iron lady), the Eiffel Tower has inspired singers, poets, painters and filmmakers, while miniature Eiffel Tower souvenirs sit in millions of households around the globe.
Designer Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923) could never in his wildest dreams have imagined that his creation would become such an icon when he hoisted the French flag on the monument on its completion.
Standing at a height of 300.65 metres, the tower assumed the mantle of the tallest man-made structure in the world and immediately became the main attraction at the Exposition Universelle.
Concerned citizens, including some artists, cursed Eiffel's creation, calling it a “monstrosity” and a “disgrace” for Paris. A committee was formed to campaign for the removal of the structure.
Initially due to be dismantled in 1909, the 7,300-ton steel tower's salvation came with the telecommunications revolution and its usefulness as a relay for telegraphy and radio signals.
The tower was allowed to remain after the expiry of the original 20-year permit, and it was from here that France's first public radio programme was broadcast in 1921.
The Eiffel Tower came under threat again during World War II, when the French army considered partially demolishing it to prevent it from being used for communications purposes by Adolf Hitler's invading German army.
The tower survived, however. Hitler ordered Paris military governor Dietrich von Choltitz to demolish the tower - along with the rest of the city - on his withdrawal, but the general disobeyed the order.
Following the liberation of Paris, the head of the Paris fire brigade climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower to hoist the French tricolour.
The public's fascination with the Eiffel Tower is as strong today as it was over a century ago. Its silhouette also varies depending on the weather, with the upper part of the structure disappearing from view on cloudy days.
The Eiffel Tower is now 324 metres high due to the addition of an antenna in 1957. When temperatures go up, it can increase in height by up to 18 centimetres as the metal expands.
The Eiffel Tower also lights up every day of the year - from sunset for five minutes every hour. No less than 20,000 light bulbs turn it into a glittering object that has tourists gasping in wonder.
Not surprisingly, the famous structure has become a favoured location for death-defying stunts.
In 1989, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit walked on a wire strung from the Chaillot Palace across the River Seine to the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
A mountain biker has also conquered the structure's 1,300 steps on his bike. More tragically, a Norwegian died in 2005 when he tried to parachute from the Eiffel Tower.
In the last couple of years, the tower has faced several bomb threats and resultant evacuations, although explosives have ever been found.
Despite such concerns, more than 7 million people visited the Eiffel Tower's viewing platforms in 2011 - a new record.
There are plenty of plans for what can be done with the tower in the future. One engineering group, for instance, has proposed attaching 600,000 plants to the metal structure to make the Eiffel Tower look like a giant tree. - Sapa-dpa