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|Wednesday, December 31, 2025Parvis Notre‑Dame – Place Jean‑Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
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Notre‑Dame Gargoyles: Stone, Water, Myth
A look at gargoyles and chimeras at Notre‑Dame—why they exist, how they work, and what they symbolize.
1/5/2026
14 min read
Gargoyles at Notre‑Dame are hydraulic devices wearing mythic masks. Their protruding spouts protect stone from runoff; their forms invite stories.
💧 Drainage & Durability
- Water path: Roof runoff → gutters → gargoyle spouts → air.
- Splash control: Overhangs push water clear of façades.
- Maintenance: Joints and stone lips checked for erosion.
🐉 Myth & Meaning
- Chimeras: Imagined beasts that guard and warn.
- Urban theatre: Faces frame the city and the Seine.
- Photography: Twilight silhouettes become modern lore.
🔬 Stone & Weather
| Factor | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Acid rain | Surface loss | Gentle cleaning |
| Freeze–thaw | Micro‑cracks | Monitor joints |
| Biological growth | Staining | Soft removal |
The gargoyle is a rain poem—architecture speaking in weather.
About the Author
Architecture Historian
As a Paris lover and careful traveler, I created this guide to help visitors connect with Notre‑Dame’s stories — where faith, craft, and community meet.
Tags
Gargoyles
Chimeras
Drainage
Myth
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