JULIANA TRAIL – Stage 19: Korada–Šmartno

The stage first takes you to Korada, the highest hill in the Brda region, which the local people call Kobalar, to the Vrhovlje village near Kojsko. This is a small settlement with the late baroque pilgrim church of Mary Help of Christians on the panoramic hill, from where you can see the final point of the stage, Šmartno. On Korada hill and along the trail you can also see remnants of World War I and many meadow plants that are quite rare in the remaining part of the Brda region.

Continue the trail to Gonjače, where you can see a monument dedicated to 315 victims of World War II on the left bank of the Soča River. A 23-metre-high panoramic tower with 144 steps – the work of painter Janez Boljka – stands at the monument. In good weather you can even see the Julian and Carnic Alps, the Dolomites, the Friuli region, the Gulf of Trieste, the Karst, the Vipava Valley and Trnovski Gozd forest, but the village of Šmartno, which is only a few hundred metres away, is a true sight for sore eyes. The final point of the stage will charm you with its narrow picturesque alleyways, the atmosphere within the village walls, the Brda House ethnological museum, and the rich variety of food and wine on offer. Do not miss out on visiting the olive oil shop and the natural cosmetics shop.