The Gargoyle of Notre Dame overlooking Paris, 1910

Historical photos often show us things that we don’t want to see, but that we can’t look away from. This collection of photographs show us extraordinary moments from our past that send chills down our spine. Some of these shots show moments that are hard to look at, but others will give you goosebumps in the best way possible.

Source: Reddit

When the Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire in 2019 much of the roof was destroyed but at least some of the gargoyles survived. These concrete buttresses have been attached to the Cathedral since the 14th century as way to shed water when it rains. Which is definitely a creepy way to make sure the roof doesn’t cave in.

The carved figures spray water from their mouths similarly to the mythological Gargouille – a dragon like creature with an extended neck and bat wings. The fire breathing creatures were said to have been defeated by St. Romanus with his crucifix before affixing them to the walls of Notre Dame.