Gargoyles around the World

The gargoyles of the world form part of a sculptural tradition widely disseminated in European architecture and in other cultural settings beyond its borders. Although their morphology and iconography vary according to the territories in which they appear, these figures share the same dual condition: that of serving as functional elements for water drainage while at the same time projecting a symbolic universe of great visual richness.

This section brings together image galleries organised by countries and, where appropriate, by cities, making it possible to explore the presence of gargoyles in different geographical and artistic contexts. Each photograph has been documented in situ and is accompanied by a caption indicating its location.

This international archive makes it possible to compare formal solutions and iconographic repertories, while offering a broad view of the formal and thematic diversity of gargoyles in the historic architecture of different parts of the world.