Casa de Las Gárgolas, Neo-Gothic residence in Vicuña Mackenna Avenue, Santiago, Chile

Casa de Las Gárgolas is a two-story Neo-Gothic residence on Vicuña Mackenna Avenue with stone gargoyles, pointed arch windows, and ornamental details throughout its facade. The structure includes the main residence and service quarters and now serves as headquarters for Chile's National Monuments Council.

Built in 1929 by architect Eduardo Cóstabal Zegers for farmer Melitón Moreno, the building received National Monument status in 2001. A 2003 restoration preserved its original features while adapting the structure for contemporary use.

The name comes from the griffins and gargoyles on the facade, carved in artificial stone imitating the tracery of Neo-Gothic arches. Inside, the main house keeps a wooden staircase with an ornamental starting post, coffered ceilings in plaster, and floors of interlocking boards. The service house, linked by pointed and shouldered arches, originally had a carriage entrance on Viña del Mar street.

The building is located in a historic neighborhood of Santiago and functions as an administrative headquarters, which may affect public access to the interior. Check ahead about visiting hours and what parts may be open to visitors.

The 2000 exchange between owner Dr. Pineda, a homeopath, and the Ministry of National Assets gave the house to the state; restoration began in March 2000, and in 2001 José Villanueva funded the conversion of the former carriage house into a lecture hall.