The oldest part of the Edsbro Church is the nave, which was built in fieldstone during the 13th century. The sacristy was added during the 14th century and the choir was enlarged, with added details in Brick Gothic style, during the 15th century. Unusually, the church has preserved its northern wall without windows. Most medieval churches in the area originally lacked windows in their northern façade, but normally windows were opened during the subsequent centuries. Northwest of the church stands the bell tower which was erected in the middle of the 17th century. The interior is decorated with frescos added in the 17th century. They were paid for by the Lilliesparre family, owner of nearby Kragsta Manor. Among the church fittings is the 13th century baptismal font of sandstone with a base of limestone.
A major internal restoration was carried out in 1904 under the direction of the architect Bror E. Almquist (1864-1940). Subsequent restoration was carried out in 1951-1952 under the direction of conservator Sven Dalén. In 1970, the interior paintings were cleaned under the direction of conservator Bengt Grandin.
References:The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.
The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.
The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.