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Historic town · Dobrovo, Goriška
Šmartno
A walled village on the top of a hill in the centre of Goriška Brda, first mentioned in 1317, with walls, defensive towers and narrow streets around the church of Saint Martin, the largest in Brda.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Šmartno
Šmartno occupies the top of a hill at the geographic centre of Goriška Brda, a few kilometres from Dobrovo. The village, first mentioned in 1317 as Sanctus Martinus, was a frontier fortress during the wars between the Habsburgs and Venice, and it preserved the walls and several defensive towers from that time. Until the mid-18th century it retained a military function.
Inside the walls, stone houses press together along narrow streets and passages that resemble a maze. In the centre stands the church of Saint Martin, the largest parish church in Brda, which uses an old fortification tower as its bell tower and houses 20th-century paintings by Tone Kralj. The whole village is protected as a cultural monument, and many houses have been restored.
From the edges of the hill the view ranges from the Nanos to the east to the Carnia Alps to the northwest, and from the Friulian plain to the Adriatic. At the village tourist information point and in restored houses there are exhibitions about life in Brda and tasting spaces for wine and olive oil.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours for the streets, the church and the viewpoints.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the light falls on the stones and the hills. In May and June and during the grape harvest, the region is livelier.
How to get there
About 4 km from Dobrovo by road, with parking before the village entrance; the village is explored on foot.
Tip
Walk around the outside of the walls before entering: that way you can see the towers and the outline of the old fortress.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Šmartno
What is there to see in Šmartno?
The walls and towers of the old fortress, the narrow stone streets, the church of Saint Martin and the views over the hills of Brda.
How far is Dobrovo from Šmartno?
About 4 km by road.
Is Šmartno inhabited?
Yes. Šmartno is an inhabited village, protected as a cultural monument, with restored houses, a tourist information point and tasting spaces.