Hum | Rijeka

Hum is a tiny but fascinating town in Istria, Croatia, renowned for its claim to fame as the smallest town in the world. Nestled on a hilltop in the central Istrian region, Hum is known for its medieval charm, well-preserved historical sites, and a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors curious to see a town with only a few dozen inhabitants. Despite its small size, Hum is rich in cultural and historical significance, offering visitors a step back in time to explore its ancient streets, landmarks, and traditions.

Overview of Hum

• Location: Hum is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the town of Buzet, on a hill that overlooks the surrounding valleys and forests of central Istria. The town is situated in the northwestern part of Croatia, close to the Italian border, and is part of the Istrian County.
• Size: Hum holds the title of the smallest town in the world, with a population of around 20-30 residents. It covers a small area of land, and its compact size has contributed to its fame. Despite being tiny, Hum has its own town hall, church, and historic center, which all contribute to its official status as a town.

Key Attractions and Highlights

1. The Town Walls and Gates

Hum’s medieval town walls are one of the most prominent features of the settlement. These stone fortifications were built to protect the town during the Middle Ages and are still well-preserved today. The walls are relatively low but provide an excellent glimpse of the town’s historic importance. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The town has two gates:

• The Main Gate (Ulaz u Grad): This gate leads into the heart of Hum and is marked by a stone archway. It's an iconic entrance to the town and offers a warm welcome to visitors.
• The Southern Gate (Jug vrata): Less frequently used, this gate is also part of the medieval town fortifications and offers a quieter entry point into the town.

2. The Church of St. Jerome (Crkva sv. Jeronima)

The Church of St. Jerome is the main place of worship in Hum and is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture. The church dates back to the 12th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes, particularly those depicting scenes from the Bible. The church also houses an altar and a stone baptismal font, adding to its historical and cultural significance.

3. The Glagolitic Alley (Glagolitička Aleja)

Hum is famous for its connection to the Glagolitic script, the ancient script used by Croats in the Middle Ages. The Glagolitic Alley is a unique trail that runs from Hum to Roč, another Istrian town. Along this alley, visitors can find a series of stone monuments inscribed with Glagolitic letters. These monuments are important symbols of the cultural heritage of Istria, celebrating the early Christian and Slavic traditions of the region.

The Glagolitic script is one of the oldest Slavic alphabets, and its presence in Hum highlights the town’s role in preserving and promoting Croatian cultural identity. The Glagolitic Alley is an interesting and educational route to walk for those fascinated by the history of writing and the early Christian period in Croatia.

4. The Town Hall (Gradska Vijećnica)

Despite its small size, Hum has an official town hall that serves as the administrative center of the town. The Town Hall is a medieval building located at the town’s central square. Although the town is very small, it still has a formal structure of governance, with the mayor overseeing the administration. The Town Hall adds to the town’s quaint charm and is a reminder of Hum’s long history as a settlement.

5. The Hum Stone

One of the most interesting historical features of Hum is the Hum Stone, a large stone tablet with inscriptions written in Glagolitic script. The Hum Stone is located near the Church of St. Jerome and is an important relic of the town's early Christian and cultural heritage. It is believed that this stone was used for legal and administrative purposes during the medieval period.

6. Hum’s Traditional Festivals

Hum has a rich tradition of local festivals that celebrate its cultural heritage. The most well-known is the "Istrian Truffle Days" festival, which highlights the region’s famous truffles. Given that Hum is situated in the middle of truffle-producing areas, the festival includes truffle tastings, truffle hunting demonstrations, and local food. This event brings together people from all over the region to celebrate Istria's culinary traditions.

Additionally, local celebrations in Hum include religious festivals and traditional folk events, many of which take place in the town's central square. The small size of Hum makes these events feel intimate and welcoming, allowing visitors to experience the traditional Istrian way of life up close.

7. The Hum Museum

For those interested in the history of Hum, there is a small museum located in the town that showcases various artifacts related to the town’s cultural and historical heritage. The museum includes ancient relics, local crafts, and historical documents, giving visitors a deeper understanding of how this tiny town has evolved over the centuries.

8. Scenic Views of the Istrian Countryside

Hum is set amidst the rolling hills and forests of Istria, providing visitors with panoramic views of the Mirna River Valley and the surrounding countryside. The view from the town’s hilltop is especially stunning in the autumn when the landscape is dotted with vineyards and the rich colors of the changing seasons.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Accessibility: Hum is a small, medieval town that can be easily explored on foot. The streets are narrow and sometimes steep, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Best Time to Visit: Hum is an attractive destination year-round, but the spring and autumn are the best times to visit when the weather is pleasant, and the town is quieter. The Istrian Truffle Days in October is a particularly popular time for food lovers to visit.
• Parking: Parking is available outside the town walls, as the town itself has limited space for vehicles. During busy seasons, it's best to park at the designated lot and walk into the town.
• Dining and Accommodation: There are a few local taverns and restaurants in Hum that serve traditional Istrian cuisine, including truffle-based dishes and local wines. Due to its small size, there are limited accommodation options, but visitors can find charming guesthouses in nearby towns such as Buzet or Roč.

Conclusion

Despite being the smallest town in the world, Hum is a remarkable destination in Istria. It may be tiny, but it is rich in history, culture, and tradition. The town’s medieval streets, Glagolitic script monuments, and authentic atmosphere make it a fascinating place to visit. Whether you’re strolling through its narrow alleys, exploring its historical sites, or enjoying the local truffle dishes, Hum offers a unique and memorable experience in one of Croatia's most picturesque regions.