Hum is a picturesque hilltop settlement in Croatia’s Istria region whose main claim to fame is being the smallest town in the world. Located 230 miles east of the capital city of Zagreb, the medieval town is home to approximately 30 people. The town's origins are shrouded in mystery, but its first mention in historical documents dates back to the year 1102, when it was called Cholm. A bell and watchtower was built in 1552 as part of the town’s defenses, and guards and their families began moving in. However, the town never really developed over the centuries, and even today it consists of just three neat rows of medieval houses on two streets. Measuring only 320 feet long and 100 feet wide, it’s easy to see why Hum is considered the world’s smallest town. Tourism counts as one of the two main sources of income in the town, the other being agriculture. There isn’t much to see, but locals do their best to make visitors feel welcome. Walking along one of the two cobblestone streets, it’s easy to admire the architecture and charm. The town is surrounded by a small stone fence that was erected in medieval times to protect the town from attacks.
