Hum, Medieval hilltop town in central Istria, Croatia
Hum is a medieval hilltop settlement in central Istria consisting of stone houses built into defensive walls that form a compact structure. The town stretches about 100 meters in length and sits at 349 meters elevation on its hillside.
The settlement was first documented in 1102 as Cholm and received fortification walls during the 11th century. A defensive bell tower was built in 1552 and continues to define the village's appearance today.
The parish church displays ancient Glagolitic inscriptions on its walls, telling the story of early Slavic writing traditions. Visitors can experience religious and linguistic history in a single small space.
The village is easy to explore on foot since all areas are close together and compact. The best time to visit is spring or autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking around the narrow streets.
Each June, a traditional mayoral election takes place where male residents vote according to ancient custom. This practice has survived for centuries and shows how medieval traditions remain part of everyday life here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
