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Burgschleinitz, one of the most romantic places in the area, is one of the last water castles in Waldviertel. Situated by an idyllic pond, surrounded by a deep moat, its massive castle wall stands tall. The castle's history dates back to the 11th century when it was the ancestral seat of the Schleunz family, eventually giving rise to the name 'Burgschleinitz.' Over the years, it changed owners frequently, including a brief period under the Habsburgs in the 14th century.
In 1480, the castle was attacked by Hussite troops and completely destroyed in the ensuing battle with the imperial army. A century later, Georg Bayer von Niederdürnbach began its reconstruction, leaving his mark on the second-floor barrel vault. However, he and his brother later committed suicide, leading to the property falling into the hands of Rudolph von Innspruckh. Ownership continued to change due to political unrest and unpaid taxes.
In the early 17th century, during the Thirty Years' War, Burgschleinitz suffered further damage from Bohemian troops. The Kuefstein Counts eventually occupied the castle, only to be succeeded by the Sazenhofen Barons after more than 300 years. Throughout its history, Burgschleinitz has been a source of inspiration for artists, especially writers, including Franz Grillparzer.
In 1974, the castle's moat, running beneath its walls, was refilled to restore its watery character. Today, it is privately owned and cared for by the Eckert family, including the actress Andrea Eckert.
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.