Holiday Apartment in Šmartno: Culture, Wine and a Medieval Village

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

Villagescape and History

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 medieval walls still shape the village’s appearance today and provide the setting for various cultural sites and events.

Culture

One of the village’s main sights is the Baroque Parish Church of St. Martin, the largest church in Brda. Its 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.

Briška hiša presents the residential culture of Brda and includes a traditional wine cellar. An exhibition traces the development of the house from prehistoric times to the present day; there is also a film about Brda and life in Brda in the second half of the 20th century. Within the medieval walls, you will also find Hiša kulture. It hosts exhibitions by local and international artists, cultural events and art workshops.

In the heart of the medieval village lies EmiLina, a workshop and shop. It offers handmade magnets, as well as other souvenirs and products from Brda and other parts of Slovenia.

Culinary Delights

Oljčni bar Šmartno offers daily guided tastings of extra virgin olive oil. Visitors are shown how to taste the oil properly and recognize its beneficial properties. Oljčni bar Šmartno also serves local specialties and dishes from Brda, including white polenta with Toč, tagičeva kuhnja, Jota and cold cuts.

Brda & Vino, held on 25 April 2026, is a traditional spring event dedicated to wine and cuisine, centred in Šmartno. On this occasion, 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 features stalls with local products, wine tastings in the village’s wine cellars and a culinary offering of St. Martin’s delicacies.

Experiences

A family-friendly folklore trail through Šmartno uses hidden QR points to share the legendary figures and stories of Brda. On a guided tour of Šmartno, visitors 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.

When comparing holiday apartments in Šmartno, check the exact location, type of accommodation, possible occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. The distinction between a holiday apartment and another type of accommodation can also be checked there directly. Read all the stated details in full before making a booking, and take your time comparing the terms. With different offers, differing price components or conditions may also play a role; the specific fields displayed for each offer are authoritative.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Nova Gorica.