Sights · Our pick
Šmartno
Medieval Brda village
A walled medieval village at the heart of Brda, with towers, stone lanes and a vinoteka.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Pv21 · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Lan G. · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Naturpuur · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Šmartno
In the geographical centre of Goriška Brda, Šmartno is a walled village of stone houses built on Roman foundations, first mentioned in 1317, with views from Nanos to the Carnic Alps and across Friuli to the Adriatic. In the 16th century it became a fortress, and it guarded the frontier until the mid-18th. At its heart stands St Martin’s, Brda’s largest parish church, whose bell tower began life as a defensive tower; inside are three marble altars and paintings by Tone Kralj. Visit the Brda House and its cellar, then taste local labels at the Vinoteka. It hosts the St Martin’s Day festival.
Our take
- Walls and towers intact
- St Martin’s Church
- Brda House museum
- Vinoteka and tourist centre
- Address
- Šmartno 13, 5211 Kojsko
Goriška Brda, the Balkans - Phone
- +386 5 395 95 95
- Website
- brda.si
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Šmartno before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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