Šmarje (pronounced [ˈʃmaːɾjɛ], German: Sankt Marein[1]) is a formerly independent settlement in the western part of the settlement of Šmarje–Sap in central Slovenia.

It is part of the traditional region of Lower Carniola and is now included with the rest of the municipality in the Central Slovenia Statistical Region.

[3] The settlement was attested in 1347 as sand Marien (and as sancta Maria in 1349 and Smariach in 1436, among other names).

The Slovene name Šmarje is a contraction of the old locative form *šent Marije '(at) Saint Mary', referring to the local church.

[8] Notable people that were born or lived in Šmarje include the following: