Did Gothic architecture have gargoyles?
Did Gothic architecture have gargoyles?
Fantastic and frightening, gargoyles have become one of the most distinctive features of Gothic architecture. Likely erected as a defense against demons, the stone statues are rooted in religion and steeped in superstition.
Why did Gothic builders include gargoyles?
Gothic buildings are found all throughout Europe. As buildings and cathedrals became more and more ornate, there rose a need for a way for water to be channeled away from the buildings. They needed something like the rain gutters we use today. Therefore, builders started to add gargoyles to cathedral roofs.
What does gargoyle symbolize?
Some think that the gargoyles’ angry faces were meant to scare away evil spirits and protect the building. Others think that scary gargoyles were placed on churches to remind people that there is evil in the world, so they should enter the church often and live a good life.
Why did they put gargoyles on churches?
The precise purpose of gargoyles was to act as a spout to convey water from the upper part of a building or roof gutter and away from the side of walls or foundations, thereby helping to prevent water from causing damage to masonry and mortar.
Why are there gargoyles on Notre Dame?
The gargoyles’ main purpose is very practical. As rain water runs down the roofs of Notre-Dame de Paris, it needs to drain off without dripping down the walls and potentially damaging them. By evacuating rain water, the gargoyles protect the cathedral and protect the stone from damage caused by excessive runoff.
Are gargoyles dragons?
The word gargoyle derives from the French gargouille, meaning “throat.” This would appear to take its inspiration from the statues’ water-siphoning gullets, but in fact the name comes from the French legend of “La Gargouille,” a fearsome dragon that terrorized the inhabitants of the town of Rouen.
What do gargoyles represent spiritually?
Many considered gargoyles the spiritual protectors of churches as well, scaring off demons and evil spirits. Some historians believe gargoyles were inspired from pagan eras and were used to make churches feel more familiar to new Christians.
Did the gargoyles of Notre Dame survive?
Viollet-le-Duc was a Gothic Revival architect who was famous for his own creative restorations, introducing the gargoyles, which served as rain spouts from the roof and appeared to have survived the fire. Viollet-le-Duc restored the facade of Notre-Dame, inside and out, including replacing 60 statues.
Are gargoyles guardians?
Despite their frightening appearance, Gargoyles are guardians who are known to protect buildings from evil spirits, and do no harm to humans.
Why is there gargoyles on Notre Dame?