The bombing shocked everyone as the city held no military importance, it didn’t have a large Serb population, and the front line was hundreds of miles away. But Dubrovnik was the tourist capital of a nation that depended on tourism, and Serbia wanted to hit them where it hurt.
The siege lasted for eight months and in the end 2/3’s of the Old Town was destroyed and hundreds had died. One of those destroyed buildings was the house we’re staying in. Our host was a young girl at the time, but old enough to remember hiding out in the church nearby (where the walls were much thicker). While at the church her parent’s bedroom took a direct hit.
In May 1992 the Croatian Army liberated Dubrovnik, but the danger of sudden attacks would last for the next three years. I just can’t imagine living in such a beautiful and historic city such as this, and watching it get blown to bits. While a massive rebuilding has brought the city back to it's former glory, the residents here are forever changed.
Today, plaques at all of the main gates to the Old City tell the story of what is no longer visible to the naked eye. Written in five languages, the plaque reads: “City Map of Damages caused by the aggression on Dubrovnik by the Yugoslav Army, Serbs and Montenegrians, 1991-1992.” It shows direct hits, burnt buildings, shrapnel and other damage.
Luckily sights like this are no longer common in town.
This is part of the old military fort on Mt. Srd, above the Old Town. The ammunition above is part of a museum erected at the old military base.
You can tell which buildings got bombed by who has a new roof.
This is another memorial in town, showing photos of many of the Dubrovnik soldiers who died.
