Smallest Town in World: Hum, which has a population of 30 (as of 2022) and is situated in Croatia on a lofty hilltop, has been designated the smallest town in the world by Guinness World Records. The town, which is barely 100 metres long and 30 metres wide, is situated in the midst of the Istria region, close to the town of Buzet. According to tradition, giants in the Mirna valley built several hilltop settlements before beginning work on Hum. Hum unfortunately turned out so miniature since they ran out of stones. They value tradition, thus on June 11th (the day of Hum), they continue to hold the ancient ceremony known as “Election of the Prefect for a year.” At the Municipal Loggia (town hall), all the men assemble to cast their ballots for the village leader on a wooden stick.
Exploring Hum, the World’s Smallest Town
Hum is also well-known for Biska, a mistletoe-flavored brandy. Because they use a traditional recipe from Hum, Biska is special. The dish has a more than 2,000-year history. Hum holds the Grappa festival as a result of Biska, where homemade brandy manufacturers from all across Istria display their wares. It takes place at the end of October each year. When visiting to this Croatian nation, you can walk into the world’s smallest town at a distance of only around 40 kilometres from Rijeka or Umag. Only 30 people call this place home, and the town of Hum has only two streets and three walls in size. Hum is currently regarded as a delightful tourist destination with a distinctively Croatian culture. The town initially appears in historical documents in 1102 with the name Cholm, which is Colmo in Italian. The small mountain town’s first line of defense—a watchtower—was intended to deter robbers from attacking. A little settlement that was home to guards and their families slowly rose up around the watchtower. Visitors can now witness a vision of an ideal tiny town, free of chaos and with what appears to be no signs of the stress of modern life. The image of the local parish church and its historic bell tower stands out in this serene scene. Many people will think that the town of Hum is uninteresting after seeing such a scene. Even though Hum is the smallest city in the world, many visitors will have an incredible experience there. Visitors can get a look into the past of this renowned town thanks to the town hall and parish church, which have been preserved in excellent condition.
The Parish Church Honoring the Virgin Mary in Hum
Built in 1802, the town’s parish church honours the Virgin Mary. Ancient murals have been preserved in a tiny St. Jerome church that was established in the 12th century. Glagolitic Alley is another amazing route that leads to the city of Hum. It is a 3 kilometre long route that connects the city of Hum with the little town of Roč and is embellished with enormous stone statues inscribed with Croatian Glagolitic script. Every little element in this exquisite image captures a moment in time and narrates the history of formation and evolution with a distinct Croatian flavour. There is a restaurant in the village with a distinctive menu. ‘Must try’ cocktails at Hum include the well-known Humska Biska, a brandy-based beverage made with mistletoe and other ingredients. Everyone who visits is welcome to drink and take in the atmosphere of this town because this particular beverage is regarded as the people’s therapeutic alcohol.
Glagolitic Avenue Leads to Hum’s Enchanting Tranquility
Hum serves as the final destination on Glagolitic Avenue, a serene 7-kilometer path that connects Ro with 11 unique sites. The Glagolitic alphabet, the first Slavic alphabet, is honoured with statues in this arc. Croatia is a popular travel destination for many travellers with many World Heritage Sites like the old town of Dubrovnik, the Diocletian Palace in Split, and the St. James Cathedral in Ibenik. It is situated at the intersection of Central and Southeast Europe and is flanked by the Adriatic Sea. Yet many visitors continue to seek out the world’s tiniest village. Visit Hum and explore enthusiastically on a sunny day with a blue background of clouds and sunshine; you will be entranced by the pace of life and the landscape here and find it difficult to stop. People become disoriented and feel as though they are divorced from the rush and noise outside the small town of only 30 residents due to the sound of tranquilly and the slow pace of life full of delight from people to nooks and crannies.
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