Page 38 - Grasp English C1+ (Workbook)

4 Cıty and Colours

When we hear the word city, we often think of skyscrapers, tower blocks and sprawling suburbs. However,
there is some argument as to what the word city actually means. Whilst for some people it’s based on
population, others argue it’s related to the presence of a cathedral, and for others, it refers to the more
medieval definition – a walled area containing living and working areas.
And so, with this medieval idea in mind, we find Hum, the smallest city in the world and a popular spot for
tourists visiting the Istria region of Croatia. It’s a tiny place by modern standards – two streets with three rows
of houses, containing a handful of residents. You won’t find any condos here, but neither are the houses
abandoned shacks – the city has preserved its traditional architecture. Legend has it that the city was
actually built by giants who left small slabs on the hillside when moving stones to build their own houses.

As well as being popular with tourists for its title as the world’s smallest city, it’s also well-known for a local
beverage called biska, which is a type of mistletoe-infused brandy. The city holds a festival to showcase its
famous liquor at the end of October each year, turning the quiet city into a bustling hub.

And, whilst it can take days to see the sights of most other cities, it takes little more than five minutes to walk
around Hum and soak up its charm. But there are attractions to keep tourists engaged. If you’re interested
in medieval scripts, you can find examples of the 9 -century Glagolitic alphabet which is no longer used.
th
Or if you’re keener on historical decoration, one of the buildings houses a small gallery with examples of
traditional furniture from the area. Foodies will also enjoy visiting the city’s tavern to enjoy some traditional
dishes at a leisurely pace.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a trip to the smallest city in the world and scratch it off your bucket list!

36