Nestled amidst the hills of central Istria in northwestern Croatia, the quaint village of Hum offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and forests.
According to local legend, the town was constructed by benevolent giants using leftover stones from nearby villages. Enclosed by ancient protective walls, Hum has maintained its original charm as no new structures have been erected outside these walls.
Visitors are captivated by the town’s minute size, being recognized as the world’s smallest, and are fascinated by its ancient architecture, cultural heritage, and customs. They also enjoy savoring the delectable local cuisine and brandy produced from regional ingredients.
Historical records trace Hum back to 1102 when it was known as Cholm. The town features a castle built by Count Ulrich I within the defensive walls, and a watchtower and bell were added in 1552 for defense purposes.
With only two charming cobbled streets, Hum spans approximately 100 meters by 30 meters. In the recent 2021 census, the population stood at 52, a notable increase from the previous census a decade ago.
Despite its diminutive size, Hum is considered a town with its own council and a grand parish church, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, constructed in 1802. The church houses Glagolitic artifacts, showcasing the ancient Slavic alphabet and Croatian literary culture from the Middle Ages. Additionally, visitors can admire Romanesque frescoes in the Chapel of St. Jerome.
Enthusiasts of history will appreciate the Glagolitic Alley, a path from the neighboring village of Roc leading to Hum, adorned with stone sculptures representing the ancient Glagolitic alphabet.
Hum residents uphold ancient traditions, such as celebrating the Day of Hum on June 11 with the election of the town mayor. During this event, local judges inscribe their votes on wooden sticks at the historic town hall, known as the Municipal Loggia.
After exploring the picturesque streets, visitors can indulge in local dishes like Istrian vegetable stew and pasta with beef sauce. Local specialties include ombolo (smoked pork loin), sausages, and krostule (fried dough dessert). Truffles, abundant in the region, are celebrated in nearby Buzet, known as the City of Truffles.
A must-try specialty is biska, a brandy crafted from fermented grapes, mistletoe, and medicinal herbs with a 2,000-year-old recipe attributed to Celtic druids. The Istrian Rakija Festival in October offers an opportunity to sample biska from local producers.
One notable event is the Industrial Hemp Festival held in August, showcasing hemp-derived products like oil, flour, tea, and seeds, along with hemp-infused foods and drinks such as cheese, cookies, and gin.
For travelers heading to Hum, private car hire is recommended due to the region’s unreliable public transport. Parking is available for 3 euros per day, providing ample time to explore the town or join local day tours. Hum is an ideal stop for hikers and cyclists exploring Istria’s trails.
The nearest airport is Rijeka (RJK), offering direct flights from London Stansted by Ryanair and indirect routes from Heathrow with carriers like Lufthansa.
A reviewer on Tripadvisor described Hum as a captivating destination, praising its unique charm, ancient ambiance, and scenic drive to the town.
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