 Windsor Castle occupies 13 acres ( 5 @.@ 3 ha ) , and combines the features of a fortification , a palace , and a small town . The present @-@ day castle was created during a sequence of phased building projects , culminating in the reconstruction work after a fire in 1992 . It is in essence a Georgian and Victorian design based on a medieval structure , with Gothic features reinvented in a modern style . Since the 14th century , architecture at the castle has attempted to produce a contemporary reinterpretation of older fashions and traditions , repeatedly imitating outmoded or even antiquated styles . As a result , architect Sir William Whitfield has pointed to Windsor Castle 's architecture as having " a certain fictive quality " , the Picturesque and Gothic design generating " a sense that a theatrical performance is being put on here " , despite late 20th century efforts to expose more of the older structures to increase the sense of authenticity . Although there has been some criticism , the castle 's architecture and history lends it a " place amongst the greatest European palaces " . 
