Those castles are de-facto statements of the power of the state, not just wealth. The most 'grand' bits of architecture are the Cathedrals, and they are contrib

Those castles are de-facto statements of the power of the state, not just wealth. The most 'grand' bits of architecture are the Cathedrals, and they are contributions to something intangibly greater. The Cathedral in Cologne took 700 years to build - imagine putting your 'life's energy' into that project :) And for every 'ostentatious display of power' - there are 100 bits of beyond-the-pale amazing things hidden away. The most beautiful parts of Venice are inside the houses. Jaw-dropping beauty and extravagance ... not for public display.