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Hum: The Smallest City in the World Hidden in the Heart of Istria

Hum: The Smallest City in the World Hidden in the Heart of Istria

by Loreta Gudelj -
Number of replies: 3

Hum: Najmanji grad na svijetu skriven u srcu Istre

Smješten među valovitim zelenim brežuljcima Istre, sjevernog hrvatskog poluotoka, leži Hum- grad toliko malen da se s ponosom naziva „najmanjim gradom na svijetu“. S tek tridesetak stanovnika (da, dobro ste pročitali), Hum je mjesto u kojem se čini da je vrijeme stalo, a svaki kamen priča priču staru stoljećima.


Fotografija: Pexels


Kratka povijest Huma


Podrijetlo Huma seže u 11. stoljeće, kada se prvi put spominje u povijesnim dokumentima pod imenom Cholm. Izgrađen na temeljima starije utvrde, grad je rastao kao obrambeno uporište. Njegova kompaktna veličina nije slučajna, osmišljen je upravo tako kako bi pružio zaštitu u vremenima sukoba.

Cijeli je grad opasan debelim kamenim zidinama, s jednim jedinim ulazom koji je nekoć štitio stanovnike od napadača. Šetajući kaldrmiranim ulicama, primijetit ćete srednjovjekovne kuće, zvonik i drevne crkve, sve izvanredno dobro očuvane.

Hum zauzima posebno mjesto u hrvatskoj kulturnoj baštini kao središte glagoljice- najstarijeg poznatog slavenskog pisma. U blizini se proteže Aleja glagoljaša, sedam kilometara duga cesta s kamenim spomenicima posvećenima ovom povijesnom pismu, koja povezuje Hum s obližnjim Ročem.


Fotografija: Unsplash

 

Što vidjeti u Humu

Iako malen, Hum nudi mnogo zanimljivosti:

Gradske zidine i vrata
Kamenite zidine i masivna gradska vrata prvo su što ćete uočiti pri dolasku. Proći kroz njih znači zakoračiti u srednji vijek.

Župna crkva Uznesenja Marijina
Sagrađena 1802. na mjestu starije crkve, ova barokna građevina čuva zanimljive vjerske artefakte i glagoljične natpise.

Zvonik i loža
Zvonik iz 16. stoljeća i gradska loža nekoć su bili mjesto okupljanja muških građana, koji su ondje donosili važne odluke – tradicija koja živi i danas tijekom godišnjeg izbora župana (gradonačelnika).

Aleja glagoljaša
Ova kulturno-povijesna staza između Roča i Huma obuhvaća 11 spomenika posvećenih glagoljici. Svaki od njih predstavlja jedno poglavlje u priči o hrvatskoj pismenosti i baštini.



Fotografija: Unsplash

 

Što raditi u okolici Huma


Istarsko zaleđe oko Huma ispunjeno je šarmantnim selima, vinogradima i zelenim šumama:

  • Roč: Posjetite ovo obližnje mjesto s vlastitim srednjovjekovnim šarmom i istražite početak Aleje glagoljaša.

  • Motovun: Veći gradić na brežuljku poznat po tartufima i prekrasnim vidicima.

  • Pješačenje i vožnja biciklom: Istražite slikovite staze i uživajte u panoramskim pogledima na istarske brežuljke.

Hum je također omiljeno odredište putnika koji istražuju istarska mjesta na brežuljcima i traže manje poznata iskustva. U lokalnim konobama poslužuju se izdašna istarska jela poput fuža s tartufima, pršuta i domaćeg sira.

 

Kako doći do Huma

Do Huma je najlakše stići cestom. Iz većih istarskih gradova:

  • Rovinj – oko 1 sat

  • Pula – oko 1 sat i 15 minuta

  • Poreč – oko 50 minuta

  • Opatija – oko 45 minuta

Putovanje do Huma samo je po sebi poseban doživljaj, vodi vas kroz slikovite krajolike i pitoreskna sela.

 

Zašto posjetiti Hum?

U svijetu prepunom turističkih središta, Hum nudi nešto rijetko- mir, autentičnost i uvid u stoljeća povijesti sažeta u jednoj ulici. Bilo da u njemu provedete sat vremena ili cijelo poslijepodne, Hum će ostaviti dojam mnogo veći od svoje veličine.

Sljedeći put kada ste u Istri, skrenite s uobičajenih ruta i otkrijte zašto najmanji grad na svijetu zauzima tako veliko mjesto u hrvatskoj baštini.


Loreta, OLS Community Manager – Hrvatski

In reply to Loreta Gudelj

Hum: The Smallest City in the World Hidden in the Heart of Istria

by Minna OLS Community Manager -
Wow, it made a nice read! I am always fascinated by different places, villages, towns and settlements, where people live, and how those places are different. I have once lived in a village of 400 people. It was an unique experience as well.
In reply to Minna OLS Community Manager

Re: Hum: The Smallest City in the World Hidden in the Heart of Istria

by Loreta Gudelj -
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the read. It's fascinating how each place, no matter how big or small, has its own story and way of life. I'd love to hear more about what that time was like for you! :)
In reply to Loreta Gudelj

Re: Hum: The Smallest City in the World Hidden in the Heart of Istria

by Loreta Gudelj -
Hum: The Smallest City in the World Hidden in the Heart of Istria

Tucked away in the rolling green hills of Istria, Croatia’s northern peninsula, lies Hum, a town so small it proudly calls itself “the smallest city in the world.” With only around 30 residents (yes, you read that right), Hum is a place where time seems to have stood still, and where every stone tells a story dating back centuries.


A Brief History of Hum

Hum’s origins trace back to the 11th century, when it was first mentioned in historical documents as Cholm. Built on the site of an earlier fortress, the town grew as a defensive stronghold. Its compact size is no accident, it was designed that way for protection during times of conflict.

The entire town is enclosed by thick stone walls, with a single entrance that once guarded its people from invaders. Walking along the cobbled streets, you’ll notice medieval houses, a bell tower, and ancient churches, all remarkably well-preserved.

Hum also holds a special place in Croatian cultural heritage as the center of the Glagolitic script, the oldest known Slavic alphabet. Nearby, you can follow the Glagolitic Alley, a seven kilometre road lined with stone monuments dedicated to this historic script, connecting Hum with the neighbouring village of Roč.


Things to See in Hum

Though tiny, Hum offers plenty of activities and sights:

The Town Walls and Gates

The stone walls and massive gates are the first things you’ll notice as you approach Hum. Walking through them feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary

Built in 1802 on the site of an older church, this Baroque-style church houses fascinating religious artefacts and Glagolitic inscriptions.

The Bell Tower and Loggia

The bell tower from the 16th century and the town loggia were once the meeting place for the town’s male citizens, who gathered to make important decisions—a tradition still alive today during the annual election of the “župan” (mayor).

Glagolitic Alley

This cultural and historical trail between Roč and Hum features 11 monuments dedicated to the Glagolitic script. Each monument represents a chapter in the story of Croatian literacy and heritage.



Things to Do Around Hum

The surrounding Istrian countryside is dotted with charming villages, vineyards, and lush forests:

Roč: Visit this nearby town with its own medieval charm and explore the start of the Glagolitic Alley.

Motovun: A larger hilltop town famous for truffles and stunning views.

Hiking and Cycling: Explore scenic trails and enjoy panoramic vistas of Istria’s rolling hills.

Hum is also a popular stop for travelers exploring Istria’s hilltop towns and those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Local taverns serve hearty Istrian cuisine like fuži with truffles, prosciutto, and homemade cheese.



How to Get to Hum

Hum is best reached by road. From major Istrian towns:

Rovinj – 1 hour

Pula – 1 hour 15 minutes

Poreč – 50 minutes

Opatija – 45 minutes

The journey itself is part of the charm, taking you through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages.



Why Visit Hum?

In a world of crowded tourist hotspots, Hum offers something rare—peace, authenticity, and a glimpse into centuries of history within a single street. Whether you spend an hour or an afternoon here, Hum will leave an impression far larger than its size.

So next time you’re in Istria, take a detour and discover why the smallest city in the world holds such a big place in Croatian heritage.