The village of Pregarje lies right at the heart of Brkini. From here, paths lead over the ridges to the Reka Valley, the lowlands of Materija and on towards Istria. Legend has it that an innocent herdsman built a small chapel on the pastures belonging to the Count of Prem. He dedicated the chapel to St Lawrence and thus the villagers finally got a place to pray – pregare in Italian. This is where the village got its name.

The Church of St Lawrence built in 17^th century still dominates the village. The region is famous for its fruit and spirited brandy-makers. Even the lovely Brkini Fruit Trail leads to Pregarje.