Šmartno is a walled village on a scenic hilltop, visible from almost everywhere in Brda. Five surviving towers define the village, which is considered an architectural gem and a unique cultural monument. You can combine its history with art, regional cuisine and hands-on activities.
Walls, History and Church Art
From the 16th century until the second half of the 18th century, Šmartno was an important strategic defensive point within a fortification system that the Venetians never captured. The Baroque parish church of St Martin is a distinctive landmark in the village. It is the largest church in Brda and one of Šmartno’s main attractions.
The church’s decoration also has a clear connection to Slovenian art: the frescoes in the presbytery, the paintings behind the side altars and the Stations of the Cross were created by Tone Kralj (1900–1975), a Slovenian painter, printmaker and sculptor. In the same building, you can encounter both a Baroque church and the works of a 20th-century artist.
Domestic Culture, Exhibitions and Stories
Briška hiša is dedicated to the domestic culture of Brda. On display are a traditional wine cellar and an exhibition tracing the development of the house from prehistoric times to the present day. A film complements the exhibition with a look at Brda and life in the region in the second half of the 20th century. Within the medieval walls, you’ll also find Hiša kulture, which hosts exhibitions by local and international artists, cultural events and art workshops.
On a guided tour, you’ll walk through the narrow streets with a local guide and hear stories from times gone by. The family-friendly folklore trail offers another way to explore tales from Brda: hidden QR points around Šmartno introduce legendary figures and stories from the region. If you’d rather make something yourself, workshops at Nona Luisa let you create natural soap, lip balm or an ointment.
In the heart of the medieval village, EmiLina is both a workshop and a shop. It offers handmade magnets, as well as other souvenirs and products from Brda and other parts of Slovenia. This adds a glimpse of the region’s handicrafts to the historical and cultural attractions.
Olive Oil, Dishes and Events
Oljčni bar Šmartno offers guided tastings of extra virgin olive oil every day. Visitors learn how to taste the oil properly and recognize its qualities. As arrangements may change, it’s best to check the current details before your visit. Oljčni bar also serves local specialities and dishes from Brda, including white polenta with Toč, tagičeva kuhnja, jota and cold cuts; the food offering may also change.
The long-running spring event Brda & Vino was based in Šmartno on 25 April 2026. At this edition, more than 30 local and visiting restaurants presented live cooking in the village streets; almost all winemakers from Brda were also represented. Participation may vary from one edition to the next. The 2025 St Martin’s Day festival programme included stalls selling local products, wine tastings in the village cellars and a culinary offering featuring St Martin’s Day delicacies.
Planning Your Visit
At the TIC Brda in Šmartno, you can get information about experiences and offers in Brda, nearby destinations and Slovenia. You can also rent e-bikes at the TIC in Šmartno to tackle the climbs in Brda. Check availability before your trip if you plan to use this option. This gives you both a place to find information and a practical way to tackle the region’s climbs by e-bike.
Discover more destinations: Dobrovo, Plave, Prvačina, Kojsko, Bilje, Šempas, Miren, Kanal.
For the main travel overview: Nova Gorica.
