Portoroz to Pazin and Hum: Private day trip

Due to its strategic position, Pazin has garnered the attention of empires for centuries, passing between the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrians and Italians before becoming part of Yugoslavia, and ultimately the independent country of Croatia. After 600 years, Pazin’s castle was reconstructed in the 16th century, which is the façade we see today. Housed inside is the Istrian Ethnographic Museum, which houses historic and cultural items such as peasants’ outfits and agricultural equipment. The castle’s unique position above a 100m chasm was the inspiration for Jules Verne’s ‘Mathias Sandorf’.

Dating back to the 12th century, legend says Hum was made by giants from the stones leftover from constructing other villages, hence its small size. Hum’s handful of houses and quiet cobblestone streets are built almost entirely within the perimeter of its ancient walls, guarded by a 16th century watch tower. Of the 20 buildings, there is only a single eatery. With minimal restoration, the entire town could be considered a monument where slow stroll offers visitors a trip back in time.