Uncharted

Grotesques and Gargoyles Around the World

Carved stone animals adorn the sides of many Gothic buildings, particularly in Europe. Perched on high, some of these mystical beings provide merely visual appeal; others—technically known as gargoyles—are an essential part of a building’s water drainage system. Just like Halloween costumes on trick-or-treaters, grotesques don’t have to be eerie or ghastly; they can be quirky and even goofy. From Darth Vader on the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to stone dragons in China’s Forbidden City, behold some of the most unexpected and unique grotesques and gargoyles from around the world. —Alexandra Schonfeld

NEW CATHEDRAL SALAMANCA, SPAIN This cathedral has left many visitors bewildered because of one particular carving—a figure resembling an astronaut. What’s so strange about an astronaut? This cathedral was carved back in the 17th century—when space travel would have simply been the figment of someone’s imagination. (See number 5 on following spread)