Blink and you might miss it, but that would be a shame. Hum, perched on a hill in the heart of Istria, Croatia, calls itself the smallest town in the world, and with only about 30 residents, it’s hard to argue. But don’t let its size fool you. What Hum lacks in square footage, it makes up for in character, history, and charm.

Where Legends Meet Stone Streets

Hum’s story is as whimsical as it is old. According to local legend, the town was built from leftover stones that giants didn’t need when creating nearby villages along the Mirna River Valley. Whether or not you believe the tale, there’s something magical about stepping through its wooden gates. Every cobblestone and stone house seems to hold a secret, and each corner offers a view worth pausing for.

Despite being barely larger than a single street, Hum is a living museum. Its 11th-century roots are still visible in the thick town walls and narrow alleys. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands quietly at the center, while the Church of St. Jerome, just beyond the walls, hides vibrant frescoes that have survived the centuries. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the bell tower for a view that stretches across the green folds of central Istria.

One of Hum’s most fascinating traditions is how it chooses its mayor. Here, politics isn’t about campaigns or posters. Each year, eleven town judges carve their votes into a wooden stick known as a raboš. It’s a ritual as old-fashioned as the town itself and one that speaks to the value placed on heritage and community.

Small Town, Big Flavor

A visit to Hum wouldn’t be complete without tasting biska, the town’s signature drink. This honey-and-mistletoe brandy is smooth, a little sweet, and very local. Buy a bottle and take home a piece of Hum’s character—it’s as close as you’ll get to bottling this town’s charm.

How to Find It

Getting to Hum is part of the fun. It’s just a short drive from Buzet and Roč, and the road linking the two is known as the Aleja glagoljaša, a scenic route dotted with stone monuments celebrating Croatia’s Glagolitic script. It’s the perfect prelude to the tiny treasure waiting at the end.

Hum proves that size isn’t everything. It’s a town where you can slow down, breathe, and explore without a map. Every step is a reminder that beauty often hides in the smallest of places. Whether you’re tracing your fingers along a centuries-old wall or toasting with a glass of biska, Hum invites you to linger, smile, and maybe even believe in giants.

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