Imagination could easily confuse this destiny with the scenario of an hidden village in an old tale. However, it is real, receives visitors and has a proper name inscribed in the official records: it is a city, despite the reduced dimensions. In a few minutes all its territory is traveled, and yet there is history, legends and a museum to discover.
It is the city of Hum, located in the region of Istria, Croatia, and recognized since 2013 by Guinness World Records as the smallest city in the world.
Just over 20 buildings
According to the British newspaper Express, one has only 30 inhabitants, occupies a space of about 100 meters long by 30 wide and is located 349 meters in altitude, over the Mirna River valley. In five minutes it can go through the whole city from one end to the next.
Despite the size, it brings together the necessary elements to be considered a city: City Hall, two churches, a castle, a museum, 20 residential buildings, two streets and a single restaurant.
Single input and calendar symbol
The entrance is made by a monumental gate, with two wings decorated by copper plates and 12 medallions, representing the months of the year. Shortly thereafter is Polača, a central square where, in a while, the inhabitants gathered to discuss community decisions, according to the Very Nice Travel Travel Channel.
Both churches are the most prominent points. The Church of St. Jerónimo, dating from the twelfth century, is within the walls of the city. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1802, is at the entrance, accompanied by a 22 meter tower that once served as a defensive observatory.
According to Visit Croatia, one is part of the so -called glagolitical alley, a path of monuments that honors the old glagolitical writing, identity symbol of medieval Croatian culture.
A museum and objects of everyday life
In the city center, the Hum Museum operates, where are exposed objects of medieval daily life, elements associated with local history and archaeological pieces that document centuries of occupation.
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According to the same source, traditions are preserved and assume concrete forms, such as local liqueur production.
Traditional liquor with 2,000 years
Biska is one of the most emblematic regional products. It is a liquor made from the shrub berberwith roots in a revenue over two thousand years. It has sweet taste, fruit notes and a characteristic acid touch of the plant.
According to NIT, local production still follows traditional methods, being served in the few establishments of the city.
Gastronomy served at the table
Humska Konoba restaurant is the only one in town. There it is possible to taste specialties, such as fuster (handcrafted mass), goulashdishes with truffle and local wines. The full meal costs an average of about 15 euros, according to the Menuweb website, quoted by the same publication.
How to get to hum from Portugal?
For those from Lisbon, the flights to Zagreb surround the 344 euros. From Porto, the value rises slightly to 351 euros. The trip can be completed with a second flight to Pula, which is 90 kilometers away, or with a road trip of about two and a half hours from the Croatian capital.
Hum’s location, in a hill of central istria, contributes to its geographical isolation, but also to the preservation of its characteristics.
City or village?
Despite its proportions and bucolic environment, one is formally recognized as a city. According to, this designation dates back to seniority, never being changed over time.
The distinction between city and village does not always rest in the number of inhabitants or in the geographical area. In hum, this definition is made based on legal status and historical criteria.
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