Hum | Croatia Captured

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- Hum -

Hum, located in Istria, Croatia, is known for being the smallest town in the world, with a population of just 52 people as of the 2021 census. Despite its tiny size, Hum has a rich history and a full array of administrative and community features that you'd expect in a larger town.

Photos taken on October 1st, 2023

Fun fact no 1

Hum is recognized as the smallest town in the world. It's recorded in the Guinness Book of Records for this unique distinction. The town is remarkably small, with only about 17 to 30 inhabitants living among its 20 buildings, all nestled within its medieval walls.

Fun fact no 2

The history of Hum dates back to the early medieval period, and it was first mentioned in documents from the 12th century. Despite its tiny size, the town is rich in history and has preserved much of its medieval architecture. This includes the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the small Romanesque Church of St. Jerome with its ancient wall paintings, and the town's museum which houses Glagolitic writings and other historical artifacts.

Fun fact no 3

Hum has some intriguing traditions that have been preserved over the years. One such tradition is the annual election of the Mayor. In an unusual voting process, every year on June 11 (The Day of Hum), all the men in the parish gather and vote by engraving marks on a wooden stick. Additionally, Hum is known for its production of Biska, a traditional Istrian brandy made from a 2000-year-old recipe, making it a significant part of local culture and a popular souvenir for visitors.

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Hum, a quaint village in central Istria, Croatia, falls under the jurisdiction of Buzet in Istria County. Often claimed as the world's smallest town, Hum boasts a population of about 30 residents.

Despite its small size, Hum is rich in historical and cultural charm. The village has retained its old-world allure, encompassing just two streets within its well-preserved town walls. Key attractions include the Parish Church of the Assumption, built in 1802, and the 12th-century Romanesque Church of St. Jerome. The latter is particularly renowned for its frescoes, which bear Byzantine art influences, and its numerous Glagolitic inscriptions. Hum is known for a unique tradition where men from the parish use a wooden stick, called 'raboš,' to carve votes and elect the village head on election day. The village's culinary scene, though limited, is highlighted by the Hum Tavern, the only eatery in town, serving 'biska,' a mistletoe brandy prepared from ancient recipes.

The 'Alley of Glagolitics' is another notable feature of Hum, ending at the Hum Gate. This gate is adorned with 12 metal medallions, each representing typical rural activities for each month, such as harvesting and mowing. As per the 2011 census, Hum saw a population increase to 30, up from 17 in 2001. Historically significant, Hum was the first place where the Croatian noble family Korijenić-Neorić was mentioned, a lineage that later gained prominence in Dalmatia.

An intriguing legend surrounds Hum's creation, involving giants constructing towns in the Mirna Valley, which includes other beautiful hilltop towns like Motovun, Roč, and Bale. According to this legend, Hum was built using leftover stones from these larger projects, adding a mythical dimension to its origin.

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