Nestled amidst the hills of central Istria in northwest Croatia, the quaint village of Hum offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and forests.
According to local folklore, the town was constructed by friendly giants using leftover stones from neighboring villages. Enclosed by ancient medieval walls, Hum has preserved its original charm as nothing has been developed beyond the protective walls.
Tourists are often captivated by the small size of the village, renowned as the world’s tiniest, and are enchanted by its ancient architecture, cultural heritage, and local delicacies, including the regionally produced brandy.
While local legends credit giants for building Hum, historical records date back to 1102 when it was known as Cholm. The town, with only two picturesque cobbled streets, spans about 100 meters by 30 meters. The latest census in 2021 reported 52 inhabitants, a notable increase from the previous count ten years ago.
Despite its size, Hum is classified as a town, boasting its own council and a grand parish church, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, constructed in 1802. The church houses Glagolitic wall hangings, showcasing ancient Slavic alphabets and Croatian literary works from the Middle Ages. Visitors can also admire Romanesque frescoes in the Chapel of St. Jerome.
History enthusiasts can explore the Glagolitic Alley, a path from Roc village to Hum adorned with stone monuments representing the ancient Glagolitic alphabet. Local customs thrive, with events like the Day of Hum featuring the town mayor’s election, where judges carve their votes into wooden sticks at the historic Municipal Loggia.
After strolling through the charming streets, visitors can savor local cuisine, such as Istrian vegetable stew and truffle-infused dishes. A must-try specialty is biska, a traditional brandy crafted from grapes, mistletoe, and medicinal herbs. The town hosts the Istrian Rakija Festival annually, offering a chance to taste the local spirit.
Hum also hosts the Industrial Hemp Festival in August, showcasing hemp-based products like oil, flour, and tea, along with hemp-infused foods and beverages like cheese, cookies, and gin.
For travelers, private car hire is recommended due to limited public transport in Istria. Parking in Hum costs 3 euros for a full day, providing ample time for exploration. The closest airport, Rijeka (RJK), offers direct flights from London Stansted via Ryanair and indirect routes from Heathrow with carriers like Lufthansa.
A visitor on Tripadvisor praised Hum as the “smallest town in the world” with a unique charm that transports visitors back in time, highlighting the captivating journey to the village.
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