Discover the smallest town on the planet with only 27 residents

Located in central Istria, about a 2.5-hour drive from Croatia's capital Zagreb, the medieval hilltop town of Hum is home to between 20 and 30 people (21 according to the 2011 national census and 27 in 2021).

With only two streets and three blocks of houses, the smallest town on the planet appears before visitors with its typical Croatian charm.

The town of Hum is famous as the smallest town on the planet, with a maximum population of only 27.

The town was first mentioned in 1102 as Cholm (from the Italian word Colmo). It was originally a simple watchtower, built to protect the area from surprise attacks by outside forces. Over time, a small town began to develop around the tower, mainly housing the guards and their families.

At just 100m long and 30m wide, it's easy to see why Hum is considered the smallest town in the world.

The reputation of 'the smallest town in the world' has worked wonders for Hum and today tourism is considered one of the two main sources of income for the locals, along with agriculture.

At just 100m long and 30m wide, it's easy to see why Hum is considered the smallest town in the world.

To add to the charm of the place, locals do their best to welcome tourists to film and walk along one of the town's only two cobbled streets, admiring the medieval architecture that has its own charm.

The St. Jerome Church and its ancient bell tower are well preserved to this day, painting a picture of an idyllic small town steeped in history, free from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Although there is only one restaurant in town, the unique culinary culture here still impresses many visitors. Hum is famous for humska biska, a type of rakija (brandy) mixed with a thousand-year-old secret recipe using white mistletoe and some other ingredients. This drink is considered a medicine by the locals.

Tourism is considered one of the two main sources of income for the people of Hum town, along with agriculture.

Hum town also has a museum displaying some works of art, crafts and souvenir shops for visitors.

Hum is also the last stop on Glagolitic Alley, a peaceful 7km path from the village of Roc, with 11 special monuments. The statues along this path are sculpted to honor the Glagolitic alphabet, the first Slavic alphabet and the earliest form of writing in Croatia.

The walls of Hum still bear traces of frescoes and verses in Glagolitic, making it a site of important historical and cultural significance in the region.

According to VTC News