A medieval hill town in central Istria recognized as the world's smallest city, with just 30 residents and two narrow streets lined with stone houses.
In central Istria, the medieval town of Hum has only 52 residents. Walk through its stone gates to see 12th-century Glagolitic inscriptions, taste mistletoe brandy made from ancient Celtic recipes, and step inside the Church of St. Jerome to view its Romanesque frescoes. Each June, the townspeople gather to elect their mayor using wooden voting sticks, continuing a tradition from medieval times.
Getting to Hum
Drive to Hum from Buzet (14 kilometers) or Pula (80 kilometers), as public transport rarely serves this area. Park your car in the lot outside the town gate for 3 euros per day. The town's small size makes walking the only transport needed inside.
Layout and Architecture
The entire town spans just 100 meters by 30 meters, with two streets and three rows of houses. Stone walls from the 11th century surround most of the settlement. Look for copper shields with Glagolitic script on the main entrance gate, constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries and finished in 1562.
Religious Buildings and Art
Inside the Church of the Assumption of Mary (1802), examine the collection of silver and gilded liturgical objects. The Church of St. Jerome contains well-preserved Romanesque frescoes rare in Istria. The church walls display Glagolitic inscriptions from the 12th century, among the earliest examples of Croatian medieval writing.
Local Specialties and Traditions
Try Humska biska, a local brandy distilled from grape marc, white mistletoe, and four herbs according to a 2,000-year-old Celtic recipe. Visit during the October brandy festival to taste products from local distillers. On June 11th (Day of Hum), watch or participate in the traditional mayor election where voters carve their choices into wooden sticks.
The Glagolitic Alley
Walk the 7-kilometer path between Hum and Roč to see 11 stone monuments commemorating the Glagolitic script. This trail winds through the Istrian countryside and explains the history of this ancient alphabet through its monuments.
Nearby Destinations
Combine your visit with trips to other medieval towns within 30 minutes by car: explore the narrow streets of Roč, search for truffles in Buzet, or climb to Motovun on its hilltop location.
