The origin of Gothic architecture harks back to the beginning of the medieval period. A group of Germanic peoples called the Goths defeated the western Roman empire and went on building their own kingdom across western and central Europe. Though they were praised for their victory over the Romans yet the Goths would adopt their artistic traditions and culture. After sacking the western Roman empire, the Goths migrated to Gaul (France) and Iberia. They formed the Visigothic Kingdom and practice Catholic Christianity.
They started building distinctive towering castles, palaces, and cathedrals which today has become a legacy of their own. Gigantic pointed arches, intricate rib vault, flying buttress and detailed tracery are some of the key features of Gothic architecture. The idea of building these towering buildings was to show their dominance but also to allow as much natural light to penetrate the interior of the building. Unlike how they would normally be seen as ‘barbarians’, the Goths were certainly a group of ancient people who gave much importance to delicate aesthetic when it comes to architecture. For instance, their stained-glass window panels gave the interior of the Gothic building an exquisite look.Â
Interestingly, their predominant pointed arch and rib vaults were taken inspiration from the pre-Islamic and Islamic architectures in the Near East. Eventually, the early Gothic architecture evolved to Flamboyant and Neo-Gothic style.Â
Below we have made a list of some of the top Gothic castles and palaces in Europe:
1. PeleÈ™ Castle, RomaniaÂ

 Website: Peleș Castle
2. Bran Castle, Romania – Dracula’s Gothic Castle

Website: Bran CastleÂ
3. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Website : Neuschwanstein Castle
4. Corvin Castle- Hunedoara Romania

Website: Corvin CastleÂ
5. Jidvei Castle, RomaniaÂ

Website: Jidvei Castle
6. Hohenzollern Castle, GermanyÂ

Website: Hohenzollern Castle, GermanyÂ
7. Malbork Gothic Castle, Poland

Website: Malbork CastleÂ
8. Sturdza Castle, Romania

Website: Sturdza Castle
9. Zvikov Castle, Czech Republic

Website: Zvikov Castle
10. Bánffy Gothic Castle , Romania

11. Karlstejn Gothic Castle, Czech Republic

Website: Karlstejn CastleÂ
12. Palais de la Cité, FranceÂ

Website: Palais de la cité
13. Hampton Court Palace, UK

Website: Hampton Court Palace
14. Château de Vincennes, France

Website: Château de VincennesÂ
15. Palace of the Kings of Navarre, Spain

Website: Palace of the Kings of Navarre
16. Doge’s Palace, Italy

Website: Doge’s Palace
17. Palais des Papes, France

Website: Palais des Papes
If you’re into Gothic architecture then check out some Top Gothic Cathedrals in EuropeÂ