The medieval village of Šmartno is one of the most beautiful villages in the central Brda region. Built on Roman foundations, it is now considered an architectural gem and cultural monument. Behind its walls, it leads back to the rich and picturesque stories of the past and reveals the charm of Brda hospitality. The village of Šmartno is located in the geographical center of Brda, with views stretching from Nanos in the east to the Carnic Alps in the northwest, and from the vast Friuli region to the Adriatic Sea. The village, surrounded by walls and fortified with defensive towers, was first mentioned in 1317.
In the first half of the 16th century, a medieval fortress was built on the remains of a Roman outpost around the church. The village served as a border fortress until the mid-18th century, when the Venetian threat was over. The houses in the center are grouped around the Church of St. Martin, the largest parish church in Brda, after which the village was named. The church's bell tower was originally a fortress tower. The bell, featuring the motif of the Three Kings, dates from 1857. The Baroque church features three marble altars, one of which is particularly rich. The presbytery and the Stations of the Cross were painted by Tone Kralj.