Tvrđava Imperial, Dubrovnik

This stone fortification on Mount Srđ defended Dubrovnik’s northern approaches and served as the principal strongpoint in a wider hilltop system. Construction began when French forces arrived in June 1806, and the fort took its more substantial stone form from 1810 under General Auguste Marmont. Local residents and stonemasons from Korčula helped build it, using stone brought from the island.

Imperial became the French army’s headquarters in the Dubrovnik area, then passed to Austrian troops, who enlarged and reinforced it. Its military role lasted until 1882, when its border-post function ended after the occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fort was not attacked until the 1991 siege of Dubrovnik.

On December 6, 1991, it endured its heaviest assault and suffered major damage. Today, its museum tells the story of Dubrovnik’s defence during the Homeland War.