8 Gargoyles and Grotesques Hiding in Plain Sight

Eight peculiar stone figures, known as gargoyles and grotesques, can be found camouflaged within various architectural masterpieces across the world. These whimsical creatures adorn buildings, adding a touch of charm and intrigue to their surroundings.

One such grotesque is Darth Vader, tucked away within Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral. The cathedral, the sixth largest in the world, once held a contest for schoolchildren to submit designs, and Vader emerged as the third-place winner, earning its place on the cathedral's exterior. To catch a glimpse of the iconic villain, head to the northwest parking lot, near the top of the northwest tower, just above a large skull.

Another unique creation can be found in Kyiv, Ukraine, at the residence of Polish-Ukrainian architect Vladislav Gorodetsky. Known as the Gaudí of Ukraine, Gorodetsky intended this animal-themed building to be his own permanent residence. Located across from the Ukrainian president's office, the house is adorned with gargoyles and grotesques, inspired by Gorodetsky's love for hunting. Inside, the home even boasts stuffed versions of many of these same animals.

Amersfoort, Netherlands is home to the Plein Rond de Eik, a mixed-use structure designed by architect Changiz Tehrani. The building features 22 different WhatsApp emoji faces staring out at passersby, including popular expressions like the smile, the wink, the heart eyes, and the kissy face. Tehrani drew inspiration from another Dutch building called "The House with the Heads," which depicts the faces of six Greek gods.

In Carlisle, England, the south-facing outer wall of Carlisle Cathedral houses a Policeman Grotesque, memorializing Police Constable George Russell. The stone likeness wears a helmet and star badge, commemorating Russell's life of service and safety. Russell is buried in Carlisle and honored by a plaque at the Oxenholme Lake District railway station.

The Bull of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy, is another unassuming yet intriguing creature. This stone bull's head faces Via Ricasoli, right over the Porta della mandorla – the door leading up to the grand dome. The bull's origin is attributed to either the builders' tribute to the draft animals used in the cathedral's construction or a stonemason's reminder of his beloved.

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, is home to the Vampire Rabbit, a deformed creature that has sat at the back of the cathedral for over a century. Its origins and purpose remain a mystery, with theories ranging from representing the coming of spring to scaring away grave robbers, or simply being an unfortunate accident with backward rabbit ears.

In Paisley, Scotland, the renovations of Paisley Abbey in 1993 led to the replacement of 13 of its gargoyles with updated versions, one of which took creative liberties – resulting in a striking resemblance to H.R. Giger's Xenomorph from the "Alien" franchise. While never confirmed, this could be either an intentional homage or a happy coincidence.

Lastly, Park Grove Manor in Oak Park, Illinois, designed by E.E. Roberts, is adorned with playful, chubby-faced gargoyles and grotesques. Above its service entrances, sculptures depict an architect and a bricklayer, both amusingly cartoonish. This may have been Roberts becoming less self-serious in his older age, joyfully deriding the pretensions of modern architecture.