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.
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.
Below we have made a list of some of the top Gothic castles and palaces in Europe:
1. Peleș Castle, Romania
Website: Peleș Castle
2. Bran Castle, Romania – Dracula’s Gothic Castle
Website: Bran Castle
3. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Website : Neuschwanstein Castle
4. Corvin Castle- Hunedoara Romania
Website: Corvin Castle
5. Jidvei Castle, Romania
Website: Jidvei Castle
6. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Website: Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
7. Malbork Gothic Castle, Poland
Website: Malbork Castle
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 Castle
12. Palais de la Cité, France
Website: Palais de la cité
13. Hampton Court Palace, UK
Website: Hampton Court Palace
14. Château de Vincennes, France
Website: Château de Vincennes
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 Europe
