Washington National Cathedral : Gargoyles and Grotesques

Gargoyles and Grotesques

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Five Things You Should Know

About Gargoyles and Grotesques

Gargoyles are part of the gutter system.

Grotesques and gargoyles are not the same thing.

Nobody knows how gargoyles came about.

Gargoyle blocks extend far back into the Cathedral.

Our Darth Vader gargoyle is not a gargoyle at all.

Explore all these facts about gargoyles and locate them on an interactive map! More about gargoyles »

Other Gargoyle Resources

Learn about Darth Vader at the Cathedral »

Download a PDF of the Darth Vader self-guided tour »

Check out the summertime Gargoyle Tours »

Explore self-guided tours of the building and gargoyles »

Learn More about the Cathedral

Whether you’re coming for a visit, looking for a spiritual home, or just intrigued by gothic architecture, you’ll find information throughout our website.

Gargoyle Tours

Explore the Cathedral’s whimsical stone gargoyles and grotesques with a slide show and outdoor tour. Tours offered on select Sundays and Thursdays through the summer. Learn more »

The Cathedral Store

Darth Vader Bobble-Head
Darth Vader inspired the carving on the dark side of the Cathedral. This adorable collectible figure of Darth Vader comes packaged in a colorful window box standing 3 3/4”. Shop now »

Parking at the Cathedral

Parking in the Cathedral’s underground garage is free on Sundays for services and organ recitals; parking for concerts and programs is available for an event-parking fee. Learn more about parking options for individuals and groups.