Šmarna Gora mountain is a natural phenomenon and cultural heritage site in the immediate vicinity of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
 
 It is visited by about a 250 000 hikers, pilgrims and other visitors every year and has inspired many poets and painters.
 
 Depicted in numerous fairy tales and legends, Šmarna Gora also has a history all its own, a legacy associated with its extraordinary position and nature.
 
 Šmarna Gora is a solitary mount which projects some 370 m above the broad plains of the Ljubljana Basin. It has two hump-like summits, and thus resembles a Bactrian camel.
 
 At 676 m, the western peak, known as Grmada, is slightly higher than the eastern summit of Gora (669 m).

The name Grmada (which means "pyre" in the Slovene language) reveals that during the long era of Turkish incursions into these lands, bonfires were lit on its summit in order to warn others, near and far, of an impending raid.
 
 During the 15th century, the church, bell tower and other buildings on Gora were fortified and enclosed within the confines of a protective wall in order to provide shelter to all those fearing Turkish attack.
 
 Today, these lands are at peace; and instead of being a refuge, Šmarna Gora is able to provide some exceptional views.
 
 On a clear day one can see as far as the high Alps (north), the Gorjanci Ridge (southeast) and Mt. Snežnik (south).
 
 It is not uncommon that this mountain is bathed in sun while the Ljubljana Basin below it is one sheer sea of fog.
 
 Šmarna Gora itself, as well as the views and perspectives that may be captured from its twin peaks are a continuing inspiration to painters and other artists.
 
 The pilgrimage to Šmarna Gora, as we are apt to call it - because hikers and traditional pilgrims alike ascend it day-in and day-out, like ants - has recreational as well as spiritual connotations.
 
 Everyone can find something here for their own taste, be they a romantic couple or a naturalist.