The church in Burs derives its unusual shape from the fact that it was built in stages. The nave is the oldest part of the church, dating from the early 13th century. The large tower was built in the middle of the same century, while the un-proportionally large Gothic choir was built a century later, replacing an earlierRomanesque choir and apse.
Externally, the church is noteworthy not least for its choir portal. The doorway displays Gothic sculpturesdepicting a blessing Christ, apostles and saints, as well as a large frieze spanning the whole of the portal, depicting the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The choir, and hence the choir portal, was probably built by a stonemasons' workshop sometimes referred to as Master Egypticus. The same workshop probably made an unusual, very elaborate carved limestone bench inside the church, on which traces of original paint are still visible.
The interior is spacious and airy. Of furnishings, the altarpiece deserves special mention. It is an unusually accomplished work of art made in Lübeck or northern Germany during the first half of the 15th century. The church also has a triumphal cross from the 13th century, traces of medieval stained glasspaintings and several pieces if furnishings which are later, dating from the 18th century. The church was thoroughly renovated in 1960-1964.
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.