Water running off a stone building can cause real damage over time, so cathedrals and other classical stone buildings were equipped with gargoyles. The purpose of gargoyles was to direct rainwater away from a building, so they had to protrude away from the walls. And since this feature would be so noticeable, they were carved into the forms of dragons, animals, demons, chimeras, and human beings. Some were designed with humor, while others served as a warning against sin. The word gargoyle came from the French for "water conduit," although the original meaning was "throat." Most gargoyles directed water out of their mouths onto the streets below, which made them appear to be throwing up, but you didn't want to be outside during a rainstorm anyway.
Kuriositas takes us on a tour of some of the more interesting gargoyles on European cathedrals and government buildings. Some have a well-known meaning behind them, while others are enigmas. They divert water through their mouths, with one exception at the end that may be a bit NSFW.
(Image credit: Son of Groucho)
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