They say good things come in small packages, and if you were to look at the smallest town in the world, Hum, in Croatia, you’d agree. Located in the northwest part of the country, Hum is the smallest city in the world by population. With only 30 inhabitants and merely 2 streets, Hum, Croatia is a tiny little fairytale town and is a destination you must not miss if Croatia is on your travel bucket list.
The historical origins of Hum, Croatia can be traced back to the 12th century when it first emerged as a fortified settlement designed to protect the local inhabitants from invading forces. This was given that the empire that makes up the country of Croatia now, had sporadic conflict with Byzantium and was at near-constant war with Venice all the time. The power struggle was all over dominance in the Dalmatian Coast.
All about Hum, Croatia
Due to its tiny size, Hum Croatia has been famous all over the world. The smallest town in the world made it to the Guinness Book Of World Records in 1992 as the place with the lowest number of inhabitants on the planet, and it has also managed to retain that title to date. This title has also drawn many visitors from all across the world, but once here, one can’t help but be enamoured by the architecture and beauty of Hum Croatia. The architecture is in fact a reminder of its fascinating history with influences from all the forces it ever clashed with.
When visiting Hum, Croatia, start with exploring the Glagolitic Alley. This unique alley in the town of Hum is all about the Glagolitic script. The ancient Slavic alphabet or Glagolitic script was once widely used in the region, and Hum was the centre of it all. Carved into the stone walls, the inscriptions in the alley offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the quaint town. Thereafter, you should visit The Hum Museum. With history as rich as this, it is quite obvious that there would be a museum. Housed in a traditional Istrian stone house, the museum offers a beautiful insight into Hum’s history, traditions, and way of living life. When visiting, you can explore exhibits showcasing local crafts, costumes, and artefacts that tell the story of this scenic town.
After this, head to the Hum Logia to enjoy the local snacks and ambience. When in Hum, Croatia, you must also sample the local food. Istrian Prosciutto is a must-have, and when paired with local cheese, it is an absolute delight. Apart from these, you should also try Istrian Fuži, which is a local hand-rolled pasta, and if the weather is a bit chilly for you, the must-have is Maneštra.
Around Hum, Croatia
After you’ve explored the quaint town, head to the neighbouring tourist attractions for an immersive Croatian experience. Whether it is other Poreč with its UNESCO Heritage sites, or Brijuni National Park with its stunning archipelagos, places to visit around Hum are plenty. In the Istrian peninsula, you can also visit the vineyards.