Šmartno: Hotels amid towers, wine and culture in Brda

Šmartno is a picturesque walled village with five preserved towers, situated on an exceptionally scenic hill and visible from almost everywhere in Brda. Šmartno is an architectural gem and, as a whole, a unique cultural monument. At the Brda Tourist Information Centre in Šmartno, visitors can find information about experiences and offers in Brda, nearby destinations and Slovenia.

Culture

From the 16th century until the second half of the 18th century, Šmartno was an important strategic defensive point in a fortification system that the Venetians never conquered. The Baroque parish church of St. Martin stands within this historic setting. It is the largest church in Brda and one of the village’s central attractions. Its presbytery frescoes, the paintings behind the side altars and the Stations of the Cross were created by Tone Kralj (1900–1975), a Slovenian painter, graphic artist and sculptor.

Briška hiša includes a traditional wine cellar and an exhibition about the development of the house from prehistoric times to the present day. The presentation also includes a film about Brda and life in Brda in the second half of the 20th century. Briška hiša also presents the residential culture of Brda. Hiša kulture, located within Šmartno’s medieval walls, hosts exhibitions by local and international artists, cultural events and art workshops.

Wine and regional cuisine

Oljčni bar Šmartno offers daily guided tastings of extra virgin olive oil. Visitors learn how to taste the oil correctly and recognise its beneficial properties. The same venue also serves local specialities and dishes from Brda, including white polenta with Toč, tagičeva kuhnja, Jota and cold cuts.

Brda & Vino took place on 25 April 2026 as a traditional spring event celebrating wine and cuisine, with Šmartno as its centre. During the event, more than 30 local and visiting restaurants presented live cooking in the streets of Šmartno; almost all winemakers from Brda were also represented. The St. Martin’s Festival in Šmartno features stalls with local products, wine tastings in the village’s wine cellars and a culinary offering of St. Martin’s delicacies.

Activities

A family-friendly folklore trail through Šmartno uses hidden QR points to introduce visitors to the legendary figures and stories of Brda. On a guided tour of Šmartno, visitors can walk through the narrow streets with a local guide and hear stories from times gone by.

Nona Luisa offers workshops where visitors can make natural soap, lip balm or an ointment. E-bikes can be rented at the TIC in Šmartno for tackling the hills of Brda. EmiLina is a workshop and shop in the heart of the medieval village of Šmartno, offering handmade magnets as well as other souvenirs and products from Brda and elsewhere in Slovenia.

Other places

Find out more about other places here: Šempeter Pri Gorici, Pristava, Kostanjevica na Krasu, Šempas, Kambreško, Zalošče, Podsabotin, Sela Na Krasu.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nova Gorica.