Hum town in Istria, Croatia - Hum is a small town situated on a hill above the Mirna valley in the heart of Istria, 10 km from Buzet. It has population of only 22 inhabitants, but is officially a town, and is the Guinness World Record holder for the smallest town in the world. It is a beautiful, silent "town" which has maintained all the features of medieval urban architecture.
Today appearance of the Hum is from the Middle Ages, 11th century. Then was on the remnants of the old fort built new one, today Hum, and with the fort a first houses. Later during the Middle Ages Hum was always mentioned as fortress as town main role.
There is only one house that has been built outside the city walls, from 1892. The town has remained within the limits defined in the early Middle Ages.
Organization of urban space of the town consists of three parallel series of houses, two streets that are dividing and square near the main city gates.
Again, new urban construction Hum gets during the Venice rule in the 16th century and the role of Hum is expressed as the administrative, cultural and economic center, but still with his defense function. Thus, during the 16th and 17th century town experienced significant changes: the city walls were renewed and strengthened with the two new towers built, double city gate was built, city lodge and other buildings used for administrative and public sectors and the new church on the site of an earlier Romanesque church.
During the 16th century Hum had 240 people in town, in early 20th century there were 400 and
around 1970 only 10 inhabitants.
Hum is one of the most famous resorts of Glagolitic writings from the 11th century until nowadays. Glagolitic script was in use and is still very present in Hum and the region. Glagolitic letter and literature has important place in the culture of this region and in the Croatian culture and literature in general.
The town of Hum has only two streets with well preserved houses and attractions are:
Town Gate
Once, this small town had three gates. Today, only main is there and through them you enter the city. Town Gate is built in 16 century and at the door are visible 12 medallions as a calendar. Each medallion shows typical activity of Istria peasants during the year.
Town museum
The museum shows various objects that were used in everyday life; there is also shop with local craft and typical local products.
Church of St. Jerome
The church of St. Jerome dates from the 12th century and is situated outside of city walls on the town cemetery. On the painted walls of the church are visible Glagolitic graffiti made mostly during the 12th century, there are also interesting frescoes dating from the same time.
Glagolitic Alley
Along the road from Roč to Hum is Glagolitic avenue, a memorial avenue of monuments from the history of the Glagolitic alphabet.
Days of Hum
The traditional event held every year in June with opening ceremony of the city gate; festival with folk music and dance and traditional annul election of the new head of county or župan.
In the town is also one restaurant where you can taste delicious local food and wine.
Kotle
The place on the way from Roč to Hum just road to the right. The settlement is completely abandoned and there is the small river and the waterfall where is worth to stop.
