The beautifully situated Stjärnsund Manor and estate lies on the point where Alsen joins Lake Vättern. The present building was built between 1798-1801. The interior furnishings, curtains, carpets, chandeliers and mirrors together form one of the best preserved interiors from the mid 19th centry in Sweden. The décor originates from Prince Gustav, "The Singing Prince".
The manor of Strjänsund was established in 1637 by Johan Gabrielsson Oxenstierna. The present castle was built by Olaf Burenstam, who acquired the manor in 1785. His son-in-law sold it to the King Carl XIV Johan. Today Stjärnsund is owned by Vitterhetsakademien, The Royal Institute of Lettets, History and Antiques.
Guided tours of the main living quarters and two wings are given daily. The café is nearby, in what was once the Estate Manager's cottage.
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.