The gargoyles of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are stone waterspouts designed to divert rainwater from the building’s walls, and they were added during a 19th-century restoration, not in the Middle Ages. The famous grotesque figures that visitors see today are largely the work of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and sculptor Victor Pyanet, created between 1843 and 1864.
What Exactly Is a Gargoyle?
A gargoyle is a carved stone spout that projects from a building’s roofline to channel rainwater away from the masonry. The word comes from the Old French gargouille, meaning “throat” or “gullet,” which itself derives from the Latin gurgulio (gullet) and the onomatopoeic sound of gurgling water. The functional purpose is simple: without them, rainwater would run down the walls and erode the mortar, so gargoyles direct the water outward, often through a channel cut in the back of the figure and out through its open mouth.
Notre-Dame’s gargoyles are part of a long European tradition stretching back to Romanesque churches of the 11th and 12th centuries. Many medieval cathedrals, including those at Chartres, Reims, and Amiens, had similar waterspouts. However, the specific figures on Notre-Dame’s facade and towers that people photograph today were not part of the original medieval design—they were added during a major restoration.
The 19th-Century Restoration That Created the Icons
By the early 1800s, Notre-Dame was in severe disrepair. The French Revolution had damaged the cathedral, and it was used as a warehouse for food storage. In 1831, Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame brought public attention to the building’s decay, and in 1844, architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was commissioned to lead a comprehensive restoration.
Viollet-le-Duc was a proponent of “stylistic restoration,” meaning he aimed to recreate what he believed the building should look like, even if that meant adding elements that had never existed. He and his team designed a series of gargoyles and other grotesque figures—often called chimères (chimeras) in French—to adorn the cathedral’s towers and balustrades. The most famous of these, the “Stryge” (a demon-like figure with its head in its hands, gazing over Paris), was carved by Victor Pyanet and installed on the balustrade of the north tower. It is technically a chimera, not a gargoyle, because it has no water-spouting function.
The distinction matters: gargoyles carry water; chimeras are purely decorative. Notre-Dame has both. The true gargoyles are the ones with open mouths and troughs cut into their backs, while the chimeras—including the Stryge—are ornamental figures that have become synonymous with the cathedral in popular culture.
Medieval Gargoyles vs. Modern Additions
Notre-Dame did have medieval gargoyles, but they were fewer and more utilitarian. Historical records and surviving fragments indicate that the original cathedral had stone waterspouts, likely in the form of simple animal heads or elongated figures, but they were largely destroyed or removed over the centuries. The 19th-century restoration replaced them with the elaborate, theatrical figures that now define the cathedral’s silhouette.
This is a common misconception: many visitors assume the gargoyles are ancient. In fact, the medieval cathedral was far more austere in its exterior decoration. The Gothic builders focused on the portals, the rose windows, and the flying buttresses; the rooftop was functional. Viollet-le-Duc’s additions were inspired by medieval art but were a Victorian interpretation of what Gothic architecture should be—more dramatic, more ornate, and more “Gothic” in the popular imagination.
Symbolism and Purpose of the Figures
The exact symbolic meaning of gargoyles is debated among historians. The most common interpretation is that they served an apotropaic function—warding off evil spirits. The Catholic Church used imagery of demons and monsters to remind worshippers of the dangers of sin and the devil, and placing these figures on the exterior was a way to protect the sacred space inside. The water spouting from their mouths could also be seen as a symbol of baptism or the cleansing of sin.
But there is a practical counter-argument: many gargoyles are simply grotesque for the sake of artistic expression. Medieval stone carvers were often given freedom to create whimsical or frightening figures, and the 19th-century restorers embraced this creative liberty. The chimeras on Notre-Dame, for example, were designed to evoke a sense of mystery and medieval fantasy, not to convey a specific theological message.
In the context of Notre-Dame, the gargoyles and chimeras have become cultural icons, representing the cathedral’s enduring presence in French history. They appear in countless photographs, films, and literary works, including Disney’s 1996 animated adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which gave them personalities and voices—a purely fictional invention that has shaped modern perceptions.
The 2019 Fire and the Future of the Gargoyles
On April 15, 2019, a devastating fire destroyed Notre-Dame’s spire and much of the roof. The gargoyles and chimeras, located on the towers and upper facades, survived the fire, but they were damaged by smoke and water. During the subsequent restoration, several of the figures were removed for cleaning and conservation. The Stryge was taken down in 2020 and is being restored in a workshop, with plans to reinstall it.
The fire also raised questions about the restoration approach. Some experts argued for a faithful reconstruction of Viollet-le-Duc’s designs, while others suggested using modern materials or even replacing the gargoyles with contemporary art. As of 2024, the cathedral is scheduled to reopen in December 2024, and the restored gargoyles are expected to be part of the renewed facade. The fire, however, did not affect the structural function of the gargoyles—they remain waterspouts, and their primary job is still to keep rainwater off the stone.
How to See and Identify Them
If you visit Notre-Dame, you can see the gargoyles and chimeras from the ground, but the best view is from the towers. The tower climb (separate from the main cathedral entrance) takes you up 387 steps to the balustrade where the chimeras sit. From there, you can see the Stryge up close and look out over the Seine. The true gargoyles are less accessible—they are positioned on the roofline and are best seen from the square in front of the cathedral or from a distance.
To identify a gargoyle versus a chimera, look for the water channel:
- Gargoyle: Has a trough or groove cut into its back or a hollow interior that channels rainwater to its mouth.
- Chimera: Is a solid sculpture with no water function, often perched on a balustrade or pinnacle.
During the ongoing restoration, the cathedral is partially open, but the tower climb is temporarily closed. Check the official Notre-Dame website for current access information.
Common Misconceptions
One widespread myth is that gargoyles were used to scare away evil spirits. While that may have been a medieval belief, there is no definitive historical evidence that the Church officially endorsed this. Another misconception is that all gargoyles are medieval; as noted, Notre-Dame’s are mostly 19th-century. Also, the term “gargoyle” is often incorrectly applied to any grotesque statue, but the strict definition requires the water-spouting function. Finally, some people believe the gargoyles were added to drain water from the flying buttresses—they are actually on the roof gutters, not the buttresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Notre-Dame gargoyles original?
No. The gargoyles and chimeras you see today were created during the 1843–1864 restoration by Viollet-le-Duc and his team. The medieval cathedral did have some gargoyles, but they were mostly destroyed or replaced.
What is the difference between a gargoyle and a chimera?
A gargoyle is a waterspout that carries rainwater away from the building. A chimera is a purely decorative grotesque figure. The famous “Stryge” on Notre-Dame’s north tower is a chimera, not a gargoyle.
Did the 2019 fire destroy any gargoyles?
No. The fire destroyed the spire and the roof, but the gargoyles and chimeras on the towers and upper facades survived. They were damaged by smoke and water and have been undergoing conservation.
Why does Notre-Dame have gargoyles?
Functionally, they are waterspouts that protect the masonry from water damage. Symbolically, they may have served to ward off evil, but this is not certain. The 19th-century additions were largely decorative, reflecting a romanticized view of the Middle Ages.
Can you visit the gargoyles?
Yes, the tower climb normally allows visitors to see the chimeras up close. However, due to restoration, the towers have been closed since the fire. Check the official Notre-Dame website for reopening dates.
Related
- How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?
- How Hearing Works: From Sound Waves to Brain
- Should Dogs Get Heartworm Medication All Year?
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.