I have planned to visit Mount Srd of Dubrovnik to take in the best view of the walled city and its surrounding coastline. But the windy weather of the past few days made me worried whether Dubrovnik cable car will be closed during my visit. And a check with the receptionist of Hotel Dubrovnik Palace confirmed my doubt.
The kind gentleman probably sensed my disappointment and suggested alternative ways up to Mount Srd. Either taking a 2-hour hike uphill or simply hiring a taxi to bring me there. I decided to opt for the easy way this time because of my hurting knees after my hike in Kotor.
We were travelling along a single lane road up to Mount Srd and I was busy checking out the surroundings. My friendly driver Bernin then decided to stop somewhere to show me some of the best views of Dubrovnik.
The walled city already looks stunning on the ground level and the view from Mount Srd just upped its appeal by notches!! It’s one of the most noteworthy moments of my trip!
I was trying to steady myself near the cliff when Bernin took this – can’t thank him enough LOL.
Fort Imperial on Mount Srd
As a result of this commanding view made Mount Srd a prime target during the siege of Dubrovnik. Yugoslav People’s Army comprising of Serbian-Montenegrin troops were determined to overrun the fort while shelling the walled city. The aggressors tried to occupy Fort Imperial but the Croatian forces entrenched themselves inside and withstood the attack.
“The bastards came from that direction,” Bernin said while pointing to the faraway mountains.
The old Napoleon’s era Fort Imperial built in the early 1800’s is now Homeland War Museum.
The extensive damage of Fort Imperial is clearly shown.
The museum exhibits documents, maps, photographs, videos and more to give visitors a detailed insight into the aggression on Dubrovnik. It also shows the timeline of the liberation actions taken by the Croatian Army to regain their territories.
The artillery attack damaged many parts of Dubrovnik along with civilian casualties…
On top of Fort Imperial stand a communications tower and many more sighting of damages.
Just next to old fort is Dubrovnik cable car station and the White Cross.
After thanking and paying Bernin, I went over to Banje Beach to have a look before making my way back to Hotel Dubrovnik Palace for checking out.
I suppose not all the Croatians are keen to join the European Union…
I am so going to miss this brilliant view of Adriatic Sea.
Hvala Dubrovnik, I will be back.
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