Šmartno Pri Litiji is known for its long tradition of gold and white embroidery. Churches, historic buildings and trails in the surrounding area also offer a range of cultural and outdoor activities to shape your travel plans.

Bogenšperk Castle and the History of the Town

The Renaissance Bogenšperk Castle is considered one of Slovenia’s most important cultural monuments. Its museum collections focus on the life and work of the Carniolan polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor. The original of the first Russian-Slovenian dictionary is also on display at the castle, in the Davorin Hostnik Russian-Slovenian Centre. Another feature can be found in the castle cellar: the carriage-wheel room houses the drying and ageing of dried meat products.

The Church of St Martin in Šmartno Pri Litiji was designed in the Neo-Gothic style by the Graz architect Adolf Wagner. It was built between 1899 and 1901; inside, the church is decorated with frescoes by the renowned Ljubljana artist Anton Jebačin. Above the parish church stands the oldest house in Šmartno, built in 1586.

Textile traditions and folklore are also part of local culture. Šmartno has its own national costume, worn by the well-known Javorje folklore group. The long tradition of gold and white embroidery adds a distinctive element alongside the churches and museums. The Ecce Homo Chapel on Pungrt was built in the 18th century. In the surrounding area of Šmartno Pri Litiji, Javorje is also home to the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Mary, consecrated in 1726.

Trails and Activities in the Surrounding Area

The 2.3-kilometre fitness trail in the surrounding area leads from the Lihtenberk Chapel to Bogenšperk Castle. Along the trail are twelve stations with a total of 19 strengthening and stretching exercises. Check the local trail conditions before setting out.

The remains of Lihtenberk Castle are also in the surrounding area: a few ruins and an excavation along the path where the castle well once stood. Javorje has seven marked energy points for visitors to walk among. The Jablaniška pot is another option for a hike there. The trail starts and ends at the fire station in Zgornja Jablanica and passes the Church of St Anne, as well as going through Jablaniške Laze, Bukovica and Prelesje. From there, views open up over the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and Mamolj, with the Church of St John the Baptist. These named places and viewpoints can serve as practical landmarks when choosing your route; check local trail conditions in advance.

For a bike ride, the Na Veliko Presko cycling loop is a different proposition: it is 38 kilometres long and passes through Šmartno. The route runs from Litija through Šmartno and from the Church of St Martin onward towards the Jablaniška Valley. Compared with the 2.3-kilometre fitness trail, it offers a choice of two routes of different lengths and activities. Surfaces and route conditions can change; check the route conditions before setting out.

Herbs, Honey and Other Experiences

In the surrounding area of Šmartno Pri Litiji, Pivec Farm holds workshops on gathering wild herbs and herb-tasting sessions. Visitors make their own herbal preparations. The farm also has a landscaped herb garden with more than 100 different herbs. Gathering, tasting and making your own preparations are different ways to explore the subject; if you are interested in visiting, confirm the arrangements in advance.

At Dremelj Beekeeping, visitors can see how queen bees are bred and honey is produced, and sample honey. Varieties on offer include chestnut, blossom, acacia, forest and linden honey. If you would like to visit the apiary, confirm the arrangements in advance. In Vintarjevec, a 3,000-square-metre paintball site is located in a disused quarry in the surrounding area. Its described features include trenches, bridges, shelters and natural hiding places; here too, check the arrangements with the operator in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vače, Litija, Dole Pri Litiji, Slivna.

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