http://www.paris-travel-guide.info/eiffel-tower-structures/

what was the tallest man made structure before the eiffel tower was built?
Keops pyramid at the Giza plateau, outside Cairo, Egypt.
It held the record for about 5000 years.
Been there, absolutely breathtaking and overwhelming structure.
Eiffel Tower views from the highest platform, Tour Eiffel – HQ