Imagine living in a time when towering castles with mighty stone walls and magnificent cathedrals with soaring spires dominated the skyline. Welcome to the Middle Ages, a period that left an indelible mark on the field of architecture. Buildings were not just structures; they were statements of power, spirituality, and community. Castles, often built on hilltops, were sturdy fortresses providing defense against enemies. They were constructed with stone, a material strong enough to withstand attacks and time itself. But architecture in the Middle Ages wasn't all about strength and defense; it was also about beauty and grandeur. This is evident in the awe-inspiring cathedrals of this era, where the Gothic style thrived. With pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, these cathedrals were engineering marvels, designed to draw one's eyes upwards, symbolically raising the viewer's thoughts to heavens. And let's not forget the humble medieval houses, built from timber and wattle and daub, reflecting the simplicity of life back then. Today, our architectural landscape continues to be influenced by these medieval marvels, reminding us of a time when architecture served the dual roles of practicality and majesty.