Eiffel Tower reopens three days after Paris attacks

PARIS, France – The Eiffel Tower reopened on Monday, November 16, three days after closing because of the wave of terror attacks on Paris.

The iconic tower — like monuments the world over following the deadly jihadist attacks on Paris — will be lit up in the French national colors blue, red and white from sundown, its operator said Monday.

Normally visited by between 15,000 and 20,000 people a day, the tower was closed until further notice after Friday’s attacks.

But it has now reopened, and will glow with the patriotic colors for the next three evenings, the company said.

The illumination will also include the defiant Latin slogan of Paris, “Fluctuat nec mergitur” meaning “It is buffeted by the waves, yet remains afloat.”

The attacks prompted the company to halt the tower’s nightly illumination and hourly five-minute flashing light show.

The illumination resumed on Sunday, but without the light show, during which the tower erupts in bursts of lights, appearing to dance and float in the night.

The Sydney Opera House and One World Trade Center in New York have been among structures around the world to light up in blue, white and red in solidarity with France. – Rappler.com