The Croatian War 1991–1992
The darkest chapter of recent history: When Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Serbian-Montenegrin troops attacked Dubrovnik. The siege lasted from October 1991 to May 1992 and shocked the world: A UNESCO World Heritage city was systematically shelled.
The Siege
- December 6, 1991: The worst day — over 600 shells hit the old town in a single day. 19 people died, numerous buildings burned.
- In total, 68% of the buildings in the old town were damaged, 9 buildings completely destroyed.
- Electricity and water supplies were disrupted for months.
- The city walls, which had kept attackers at bay for 500 years, also provided protection in 1991 — but not against artillery.
Reconstruction
After the war, a meticulous reconstruction began, financed by the Croatian government and international donations (especially UNESCO). The damaged roof tiles were replaced with new ones — from the air, the bright new tiles can still be distinguished from the darker, original ones. The restoration took over a decade.
In the Sponza Palace on Luža Square, there is now a moving exhibition about the siege: photos, shrapnel, and the names of the fallen. A visit is a must to understand Dubrovnik beyond the postcard idyll.
Achtung
The Fort Imperial on Mount Srđ was a key point of defense during the war in 1991. The museum there documents the siege from the defenders' perspective — emotional and important. Admission: 5€.
