Darth Vader Grotesque

The unlikely place for Darth Vader's world-famous masked head is perched high on the Washington National Cathedral. Called a "Grotesque"- originating from the Italian word "grottesche," these unobtrusive sculptures are found on similar Gothic cathedrals around the world. Not to be confused with a gargoyle, the Darth Vader Grotesque was created by artist Jay Hall Carpenter and, as a decorative spout, redirects erosive rainwater away from the cathedral walls. If you want to get a clear view of it, make sure you bring binoculars or an expensive camera with a zoom lens - the head is hard to see otherwise.