Learn about Goriška Brda as a whole – what are we most known for and which spots shouldn’t be missed while visiting. Learn about this area from Roman times up to the reasons for building the fortress that gives Šmartno its distinctive skyline even 500 years after it was built. Who built it and why? Who defended it, and what was their life like?
Visit a fully furnished house of kolon, a typical farmer in this area from cca 1850s. Learn about koloni and their daily life while exploring the (wine) cellar, kitchen and bedroom with a balcony with an amazing view of the rolling hills. Watch the 10-minute movie of Brda in the 1960s with live commentary from your tour guide.
Take a stroll in the wonderful narrow alleyways called gase and try and find all of the remaining fortress towers… Hint: you can see 5 of them from Šmartno, 1 is not accessible during the tour. Admire charming houses and learn about the genius ways they are built! Why are the roofs not steep and what are those beautiful geometric shapes under the roofs?
The church of St. Martin stands on the raised level above the village which was not that peaceful in the past… What all happened here before the largest church in the region was built here in the 18th century and what was so special about its building process? Admire Tone Kralj’s paintings in vibrant colors and learn about the hidden meaning in some of them.