Šmartno is situated in the geographical centre of Brda. Gradnik, the local poet, compares the village with the eagle´s nest resting on a place, where the view stretches from the Nanos hill in the east to the Carnija Alps in the northwest, and from the Furlanija to the Adriatic Sea. The village on the top of the hill, surrounded by defence walls with watchtowers is first mentioned in 1317.  The houses in the centre of the village are grouped closely together around the Church of St. Martin. This Baroque church prides itself over the frescoes it contains. When entering the Šmartno fortification and walking around the narrow streets among the old and newer houses, the feeling of being in a medieval labyrinth crosses the visitor´s mind. This feeling is even more present when you enter the Gothic house.  Today a balcony, typical of the area (called gank in Slovene), can be admired at one’s visit to the house. The interior of the Gothic house contains the elements of the typical Brda house and shows the way people used to live here. Šmartno also welcomes artists with open arms. There is a so called painter’s house, where several workshops are held and where many objects of art are created. The mild climate, warm environment and friendly villagers are the key to this artistic creativity.

When you are there, climb the 23-meter-tall viewing tower in Gonjače for panoramic vistas of the rolling hills and vineyards.