Hum – The Smallest Town In The World

Written by Arijana Tkalčec

Situated in the heart of Istria is a small town with only two streets and three rows of houses. The legend says that giants built Hum when they were building other hilltop towns in Mirna valley. Unfortunately, they ran out of the stones, so Hum turned out so miniaturistic.

The main entrance to Hum.

Hum has less than 20 inhabitants but is considered the smallest town in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. They care about tradition, so the old ritual called 'Election of the prefect for a year' is still held every year on 11th of June (The day of Hum). All the men gather at the Municipal Loggia (town hall) to elect the village superior by carving their votes into a wooden stick.

Town hall

The town was entirely enclosed by walls in the 11th century. The interesting fact about Hum is that till this day almost everything was built inside the walls. The town was developing entirely within its walls, which is a rare practice in the world.

Hum is also known for biska - a brandy spiced with mistletoe. Biska is unique because they are making it by old recipe originating from Hum. The recipe is more than 2 000 years old. That's why Hum is a host to Grappa festival where brandy producers from all over Istria present their homemade products. It is held each year at the end of October.

The traditional Istrian products

Although it doesn't take long to explore it, it's worth visiting. During September there are no crowds at all so I suggest visiting then as you'll be able to experience the town better. You almost have it all for yourself. You can also spend a night in one of the apartments here and enjoy in peacefulness.

Cute streets of Hum

At the end of the town, there is a viewpoint with a bench. The only thing you can see is woods all around the town. And sitting there, in that small hilltop town, you do feel so little in comparison with nature. All types of travelers will enjoy this town.

The viewpoint of Hum

Hum is a perfect place for a one day trip. It is easy to reach it from any part of Istria. For all the explorers out there, you can enter the town taking Glagolitic Alley path which is 3 km long, and it is connecting Hum to a small village of Roč. The path is decorated with big stone sculptures presenting the Croatian Glagolitic script.

You can combine Hum with visiting other hilltop towns nearby like Motovun, Grožnjan, Buzet or small abandoned but picturesque village of Kotli.

One of two streets in the town of Hum