The Goriška Brda area has been under the influence of northern and central Italy since time immemorial, and you’ll think you’ve crossed the border as you go through little towns with narrow streets and the remains of feudal castles. One perfect example is Šmartno (San Martino; population 210), a photogenic fortified village with stone walls and a 16th-century tower. It's 4km east of Dobrovo.
