Hum: the smallest city in the world

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 Hum: the smallest city in the world


In the northwest of Croatia is located Hum, a town with only 25 inhabitants. According to Guinness World Records, Hum is the smallest city in the world. It is unusual for an urban center with such a small population and land area to be considered a city. In most countries of the world this would never be accepted, but in Croatian territory it is a curious reality.

Hum: the smallest city in the world



Hum's origins date back to the 11th century, and both the architecture and layout of the city have evolved little since then. It was originally built as a medieval castle with the intention of future urban development. And to some extent, this happened only within the city walls.

From medieval castle to Croatian city.

Today, a person on foot can walk through the entire city in less than an hour. Although urban development came out of the castle walls, it is just a parking lot and a souvenir store. Inside the walls the town still exists, although with little commercial activity. Fortunately it is close to Umag, on the spectacular Istrian peninsula. The upside of living in such a place is the tranquility and no traffic.

The criteria for granting the denomination of "city" to a specific place vary from one country to another. Perhaps the reason Hum became a city arose from the region's ancient history. Nowadays, it would be practically impossible for Hum to obtain that title.
Hum: the smallest city in the world



Historical and cultural value of Hum.

Beyond that dilemma, the city has well-preserved walls and streets. Something that has a certain historical and cultural value for Croatians. Unlike the Vatican, which is a sovereign state, experts see Hum as a monument city. It is a rare example of well-preserved urban development inside a walled castle.

Legend has it that Hum was built from the leftover fragments of much larger constructions. Especially from all those urban centers that flourished along the Mirna River. Therefore, many see Hum as leftovers from Roc, Motovun and Bale, at least in architectural terms.

Despite this, the city has a vast cultural wealth. In addition to preserving its walls, the inhabitants maintain the tradition of electing a prefect every year. On this date, the members of the parish gather in the Loggia Municipal to elect the new representative of the local prefecture. It is a vote that is done by writing the names of the candidates on wooden sticks.

The city has only two streets, a church and dozens of galleries. All residential blocks are located inside the walls and each of these houses retains medieval features. The buildings are made of stone and the streets are narrow. For many, Hum is a real medieval open-air exhibition.



Tourist attraction of Hum.

Among the gastronomy offered to visitors are biska, olive oil, a variety of wines and truffles. Visiting Hum during the Grappa Festival is a good idea, although it will most likely be a crowded place as it is such a small place. That depends on the tastes and tolerance of each visitor.

Hum: the smallest city in the world



Truffles.

The truffles you find in Hum are not chocolate. They are those edible mushrooms that usually cost an arm and a leg. In addition to France and Italy, this area of Croatia enjoys an abundance of truffles unlike other parts of the world. In fact, travel agencies organize tours focusing on the interest that customers may have for truffles.

These mushrooms are abundant in the Istria region, and proof of this is that the world's largest white truffle was found there. It is an extremely rare species that weighs more than 1 kilogram. On that occasion, the piece was sold for approximately 4 thousand euros. And tourists visiting Hum often take truffles as souvenirs.

The biska.

There is no doubt that receiving the title of the smallest city in the world attracts tourism interest in Croatia. But what is there to do in such a small city? Beyond touring city walls and eating truffles, Hum serves an excellent biska. This is a variety of cognac flavored with mistletoe and made from a recipe known only to a few locals in Hum. This and other products go on sale at the end of October, during the Grappa Festival.

If you ever visit Hum, it would be a good idea to plan another tour of a nearby city on the same day. After all, Hum is such a small town that the tour doesn't take too long. You can head to Kotli, a picturesque town a few kilometers away.

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