ARCHITECTURE GOTHIQUE

Originating in 12th century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture is most familiar as the architecture of many of the great cathedrals, abbeys and churches of Europe. It is also the architecture of many castles, palaces, town halls,guild halls, universities and to a less prominent extent, private dwellings.  The intent of this style of architecture, is to instill a sense of awe and wonder in the onlooker... to create a powerful impression on an approaching "worshiper"  which demonstrates both the might of God, and the might of the institution that it represents.  In a broader, more modern sense, the term 'Gothic Architecture' is invoked to describe any structure which wraps its occupant within a veil of dark mystery.