Šmartno: Military History and Brda Cuisine

Šmartno brings together a walled village and a rich cultural and culinary scene. Five surviving towers, the parish church of St Martin, museums, and experiences focused on olive oil and regional cuisine give the place its distinctive character. At the TIC in Šmartno, you can get information about experiences and attractions in Brda, nearby destinations, and Slovenia. Whether you want to plan your visit around cultural history or culinary themes, you’ll find a range of options here.

A walled village with a military history

From the 16th century to the second half of the 18th century, Šmartno was an important strategic defensive point in a system of fortifications. The Venetians never captured it. The surviving walls and five towers define the appearance of the village, which sits on a scenic hill and is visible from almost everywhere in Brda. Šmartno is considered an architectural gem and is a unique cultural monument as a whole.

The Baroque parish church of St Martin is a central attraction and the largest church in Brda. The artworks inside include frescoes in the presbytery, paintings behind the side altars, and Stations of the Cross. They were created by Tone Kralj (1900–1975), a Slovenian painter, printmaker, and sculptor. The church and village walls reveal different aspects of Šmartno’s architectural and artistic heritage.

Domestic life, exhibitions and art

The Briška hiša presents the domestic culture of Brda. The house includes a traditional wine cellar and an exhibition about its development from prehistoric times to the present day. A film explores Brda and life there in the second half of the 20th century. This part of the visit brings together historic domestic culture, a wine cellar, and a timeline of life in the region.

Within the medieval walls, Hiša kulture hosts exhibitions by local and international artists, cultural events, and art workshops. EmiLina offers another facet of local products: its workshop and shop are located in the heart of the medieval village. Its offerings include handmade magnets, as well as other souvenirs and products from Brda and other parts of Slovenia.

Guided experiences and hands-on activities

On a guided tour, you can walk through the narrow lanes with a local guide and hear stories from times past. The folklore trail through Šmartno is designed for families: hidden QR points reveal legendary characters and stories from Brda. For a different kind of hands-on activity, Nona Luisa offers workshops where visitors can make natural soap, lip balm, or an ointment.

You can also rent e-bikes at the TIC in Šmartno to tackle the hills of Brda. Check availability before your trip. Cultural activities, a guided walk through the lanes, and an e-bike outing are different ways to spend your time here; they don’t have to be combined into one itinerary.

Olive oil, regional dishes and events

Oljčni bar Šmartno offers guided extra virgin olive oil tastings every day. You’ll learn how to taste the oil properly and identify its positive qualities. Check the details before your visit, as arrangements may change. Local specialities and dishes from Brda are also on offer, including white polenta with Toč, tagičeva kuhnja, Jota, and cold cuts. The menu may change.

Brda & Vino took place on 25 April 2026. This long-running spring event celebrating wine and food is centred in Šmartno. At this edition, more than 30 local and visiting restaurants presented live cooking in the lanes, and almost all Brda winemakers were represented. Participation and the programme may vary from one edition to the next. The 2025 St Martin’s Festival featured stalls selling local products, wine tastings in the village cellars, and culinary offerings with St Martin’s delicacies. These examples show how culture and regional cuisine come together at events in Šmartno.

Discover more destinations: Šempas, Zalošče, Renče, Miren, Nova Gorica, Kojsko, Lokve, Kanal.

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