It is particularly fitting that the museum is housed within the old Napoleonic Fort Imperial as this was the main location for those defending Dubrovnik during the seige of the town during the Croatian War of Independence or "Homeland War" in the 1990's. It's highpoint above the city and the sturdy walls proved impossible for the Serbs to overcome and the defences held out despite bombardment. Access is gained via the Dubrovnik Cable Car, taxi or by walking up Mount Srd. There is a small admission charge of 30 kuna (£3.50) for adults, payable only in cash, and visitors receive a postcard of the attraction as a souvenir. The exhibition features a great deal of displays with text, photographs, battle maps as well as weapons and artifacts relating to the war. I was struck by how old some of the weapons looked even allowing for the history of events. You could take many hours to read the information and not unexpectedly the tone of some of the translated material had a decidedly Croatian national fervour to it. With my wife accompanying me there was much less time allocated to our visit however we did watch a video playing on a loop which related to British news reports of the fighting and wandered around the entire building including up onto the roof which had good views over the city below. The barrelled ceilings add to the atmosphere, as does the slightly battered state of the building which has deliberately not been restored since the war. There are a selection of books to purchase if you wish to read about the history in more detail at your leisure. I'd recommend a visit if you are going up Mount Srd to get a feel for how Dubrovnik and the surrounding area looked not that many years ago and to view it now.

It was humbling to read some of the real life experiences of people who lived during the war of this time. I remember watching footage on TV when the war took place but to be in the place where people were defending their city brought home to me the horror of what they went through. To read the list of names of civilians who died - 15 of them children - was very sobering. Well worth a visit, and for 30 kuna (£3.50) I could not agree with anyone who says it is a waste of money! Taking some time to reflect while in the museum helps us, who mostly have not had to endure the bombing of our towns empathise with those who did.

The view of the city from the museum is amazing! Since cable cars were still not operating when we went to Dubrovnik, we decided to use the bus to the point it would take us. Then a gentle upwards slope hiked to the top of the mountain to get to the museum. The museum is full of information about the 1991-1995 war. Interesting reads!