St. Mary Magdalene's Church in Launceston features unique carved granite blocks on its exterior. Dating back to the 12th century, the current building (1511-1524) was erected by Sir Henry Trecarrel in memory of his son. After the dissolution of Launceston Priory in 1539, the Corporation took over management. Various repairs and additions ensued, including a west end gallery in 1718 and a restoration in 1894 under John Dando Sedding's plans. Notable features include a memorial to Thomas Prockter Ching and a Gothic Rood Screen by the Pinwill sisters.
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.