Large gothic cathedrals and castles are often the backdrop to popular gothic novels of the time. Interestingly enough, these structures were not built during the gothic period, and were not referred to as "gothic" at the time of Contruction. They were built hundreds of years prior to the popular surge of gothic literature and were referred to as being built in the "modern style." When I think of a gothic castle, I think of a dark and gloomy place. The architecture, however, came with different intent.