Perched in the hills of central Istria, in northwest Croatia, lies the charming village of Hum, offering breathtaking vistas of the lush countryside and woodlands.
According to local lore, benevolent giants erected the town using remnants from neighboring village constructions. Encircled by ancient defensive walls, Hum has preserved its original allure by refraining from any expansion beyond these fortifications.
Visitors are captivated by the village’s petite size, as it holds the title of the world’s smallest town. They relish in exploring its ancient architecture, immersing in its rich cultural legacy, and savoring the delectable local cuisine and brandy crafted from regional harvests.
Although fables credit giants with the town’s creation, historical records trace Hum back to 1102 when it was known as Cholm. Count Ulrich I established a castle within the protective walls, with settlements clustering around the fort. In 1552, a watchtower and bell were erected near the town’s loggia for defense purposes.
Comprising only two picturesque cobblestone streets, Hum spans a mere 100 meters by 30 meters. The latest census in 2021 tallied 52 inhabitants, a notable increase from the previous decade’s count of 30.
Officially recognized as a town, Hum boasts its council and a grand parish church, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, constructed in 1802 atop the original church site. The church houses Glagolitic tapestries, showcasing ancient Slavic alphabets and Croatian literary artifacts from the Middle Ages. Additionally, the museum exhibits writings from that era, while the Chapel of St. Jerome features Romanesque frescoes for visitors’ admiration.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Glagolitic Alley, a pathway from the nearby Roc village leading to Hum, adorned with monumental stones representing the ancient Glagolitic script.
Local customs endure, such as the annual Day of Hum on June 11, where the town mayor’s election takes place. Local judges inscribe their votes onto a wooden stick at the historic Municipal Loggia.
After strolling the quaint streets, visitors can indulge in local delicacies. Traditional cuisine comprises hearty dishes crafted from regional staples like Istrian vegetable stew, a comforting blend of barley, beans, potatoes, and corn. Other favorites include pasta with beef sauce, smoked pork loin (ombolo), local sausages, sauerkraut, and the popular dessert, krostule. Truffles abound in the hilly vicinity, with the nearby Buzet renowned as the City of Truffles.
A must-try specialty is biska, a brandy concocted from fermented grapes, mistletoe, and four medicinal herbs, originating from a 2,000-year-old Celtic druid recipe. Every October, the Istrian Rakija Festival offers visitors a chance to sample this local spirit from various producers.
An interesting event is the Industrial Hemp Festival in August, featuring an array of hemp-derived products like oil, flour, tea, and seeds, along with delectable hemp-infused foods and drinks like cheese, cookies, and gin.
For travelers heading to Hum, private car hire is recommended due to the region’s unreliable public transportation. Parking costs 3 euros for a full day, providing ample time for exploration. Additionally, local day tours often include stops in Hum, making it a convenient rest stop for hikers and cyclists exploring Istria.
The nearest airport is Rijeka (RJK), with direct flights by Ryanair from London Stansted and indirect routes via carriers like Lufthansa from Heathrow.
A Tripadvisor visitor raved about Hum, describing it as a charming, timeless place with unique allure, where one feels transported to the past upon entering the town through its grand gates.
(Note: The article has been rewritten for accuracy, SEO optimization, and readability.)