Description of the attraction
Blackpool Tower is a visiting card of the city, the most recognizable symbol of Blackpool.
In 1889, then Blackpool Mayor John Bickerstaff returned from the World's Fair, where he was impressed by the Eiffel Tower. He decided that his city also needed something similar.
The construction of the tower was started in 1891 and completed in 1894. The tower is designed in such a way that if it suddenly collapses, it will fall into the sea. Unlike the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Blackpool Tower is not free-standing, its base is hidden by the building that houses the Blackpool Circus. The height of the tower is 158 meters.
The tower climb quickly became one of the most popular attractions for tourists. During the war, the observation deck was dismantled and a radar was installed on the tower.
Initially, the metal structures of the tower were not covered with paint, which led to rapid corrosion, and in the 1920s some of the structures had to be replaced. Since then, the tower has traditionally been painted dark red, and only in 1977 it changed color to silver - in honor of the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1998, part of the floor at the observation deck was made of glass. The thickness of the glass is about 5 cm, but not everyone dares to walk on such a floor.
At the base of the tower is the Ballroom, also opened in 1894. The hall is decorated with precious woods and illuminated by crystal chandeliers. Various dance competitions and festivals are held here, including the International Junior Ballroom Dance Festival.
At the base of the tower, between the four main pillars, is the Blackpool Circus. It is one of only four circuses in the world whose arena can be lowered and turned into a swimming pool for aquatic performances.
The aquarium, also located at the base of the tower, is now closed for lengthy renovations.
