The ruins of Castel Neuhaus, also known as Maultasch Castle, are located above Terlano (Terlan). Castel Neuhaus is almost imperceptible from the bottom of the Adige valley, only its donjon rises into the sky. The castle was first mentioned in 1228, and was probably constructed as border fortress for the Counts of Tyrol as shelter from the Counts of Bolzano. In the second half of the 13th century slightly below the castle a custom station was built. However, soon the buildings started dwindling in importance, as Bolzano was occupied by Meinhard, Duke of Carinthia, without cease.
It is presumed that Margaret, nicknamed Margarete Maultasch, loved to spend some time at this castle when she was Countess of Tyrol, but unfortunately this is undocumented. For this reason, in common parlance this ruin is also referred to as “Maultasch Castle”.
In the period of time between 1382 and 1559 the Lords of Niedertor of Bolzano resided in the castle, while the Lords of Wolkenstein, owners of Castel Trostburg, did so until 1733. The Counts of Enzenberg, however, had the castle consolidated and in parts renovated. Today Castel Neuhaus is a popular excursion destination, as it is easily reachable also for families with children on the Margarete Trail in Terlano.
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.