The first stone building on the site of current Epemastate was built in the 13th century, but it was demolished already around 1450. The current mansion was built between 1620-1625 by Albada family. The English park was founded in 1825. Today Epemastate offers restaurant and wedding services.
References:Hello, can you tell me why it is called the Epema State? Who were the first owners of this place? I was just wondering because my Great Great Grandparents from that area were Epema;s. I actually found my Great Great Grandfathers tombstone while visiting. We are from the USA. It was amazing. Thank you. cynthiakayhammer@gmail.com
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.