Nestled amidst the hills of central Istria in northwest Croatia, the quaint village of Hum boasts breathtaking views of the picturesque countryside and lush forests.
According to local legend, friendly giants are said to have constructed the town using leftover stones from neighboring villages. Enclosed by ancient medieval walls, Hum has preserved its original charm as no new construction exists outside these protective barriers.
Visitors are often captivated by the town’s diminutive size, being recognized as the smallest in the world, and are enchanted by its ancient architecture, vibrant cultural heritage, and age-old traditions. They also relish in savoring the delectable local cuisine and sampling brandy crafted from regional ingredients.
Historical records trace back to 1102 when the town, then named Cholm, was founded. The castle within the defensive walls, built by Count Ulrich I, remains a prominent landmark. Only two charming cobblestone streets grace the town, with its dimensions measuring a mere 100 meters by 30. The 2021 census documented 52 inhabitants, marking growth from the previous census, where the population stood at 30.
Despite its size, Hum is deemed a town due to its council and the grand parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, established in 1802. The church houses Glagolitic wall hangings, showcasing ancient Slavic alphabets and Croatian literary works from the Middle Ages. Additionally, the museum features writings from that era and Romanesque frescoes in the Chapel of St. Jerome.
Enthusiasts of history will appreciate the Glagolitic Alley, a pathway connecting Hum to the nearby village of Roc, adorned with monumental stones representing the ancient Glagolitic alphabet.
Local customs endure, with events like the Day of Hum celebrated on June 11, featuring the election of the town mayor. Unique to this event, local judges inscribe their votes on a wooden stick at the historic town hall, known as the Municipal Loggia.
After strolling through the quaint streets, visitors can treat themselves to local gastronomic delights. The traditional cuisine, rich in hearty recipes using local ingredients, includes Istrian vegetable stew, pasta with beef sauce, smoked pork loin (ombolo), sausages, sauerkraut, and the popular dessert, krostule. Truffles abound in the region, with the neighboring town of Buzet renowned as the City of Truffles.
A must-try specialty is biska, a brandy concocted from fermented grapes, mistletoe, and medicinal herbs, with a recipe dating back 2,000 years to the Celtic druids. The annual Istrian Rakija Festival in October offers visitors a chance to savor this unique drink from local distilleries.
The Industrial Hemp Festival, typically held in August, showcases local hemp products like oil, flour, tea, and seeds, along with hemp-based foods and beverages such as cheese, cookies, crackers, bread, bread burgers, and gin.
For travelers heading to Hum, private car hire is recommended due to limited public transport options in Istria. Parking is available at a cost of 3 euros for the entire day, allowing ample time for exploration. Some local day tours include stops in Hum, making it a convenient resting spot for hikers and cyclists exploring the Istrian trails.
The nearest airport, Rijeka (RJK), operates direct flights from London Stansted by Ryanair, with indirect routes available through carriers like Lufthansa from Heathrow.
Praising the town’s unique charm, a Tripadvisor visitor shared their delightful experience, expressing admiration for Hum’s historic ambiance and scenic approach.
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