If you’ve walked the Old Town and want to see a completely different side of Dubrovnik, Mount Srđ has one more thing worth your time: the Homeland War Museum, inside Fort Imperial at the summit.
Where it is
The Homeland War Museum is inside Fort Imperial on Mount Srđ, directly above the Old Town — the same fort visible from the cable car viewpoint, and the same summit where our buggy tours start and finish. Its exhibition, “Dubrovnik in the Homeland War 1991–1995,” covers the city’s role in the Croatian War of Independence.
What’s inside
The permanent exhibition runs from the start of the war in 1991 through the liberation of southern Croatia in 1995, across four sections: the history of Fort Imperial and the fall of the Republic of Ragusa, the 1991 aggression against Dubrovnik, the liberation and days of victory, and the civilian toll and damage to the city’s buildings and monuments. Expect original documents, wartime photographs, military equipment, weapons, maps, flags, and authentic video and audio material.
Why the fort itself matters
Fort Imperial was built by the French in 1812 during the Napoleonic period. Nearly two centuries later, during the 1991–92 siege of Dubrovnik, it became the command headquarters of the 163rd Dubrovnik Brigade and one of the city’s key defensive positions. You’re not just reading about this history inside a building — you’re standing at the actual location it happened.
The view is part of the experience
Fort Imperial sits at the same panoramic viewpoint that makes Mount Srđ one of Dubrovnik’s most photographed spots — the Old Town, the Adriatic, and the Elafiti Islands laid out below. Understanding the history here also makes the geography click: why the Old Town sits where it does, and why this hill mattered so much to defend.
Getting there
- Cable car — the upper station is right next to Fort Imperial, the easiest way up for most visitors
- Car or taxi — parking is available in front of the fort
- Bus + walk — city bus to Bosanka, then about 15 minutes on foot
- Hiking — the historic Serpentine Path from the Old Town, roughly 45–60 minutes uphill
- Buggy — our self-drive and private tours both start and finish right at the summit
Combining it with a buggy tour
The museum and a buggy tour are two separate experiences — the museum is history, the buggy is off-road driving — but they share the same starting point, so combining them is easy. Many guests visit the museum first, then head out onto the trails, or the other way around. See our full Mount Srđ guide for the rest of what’s up there, including Panorama Restaurant.
Is it worth visiting?
If you’re curious about more than the postcard version of Dubrovnik, yes. The exhibition gives real context for a city most visitors only know as a holiday destination — a reminder that the view you’re admiring from Srđ was a battlefield within living memory. You don’t need to be a history buff to find it worthwhile.
Price and opening hours
Admission: €5 adults, €3 schoolchildren and students, free under age 7.
Opening hours: 8:30am–10pm daily (April 1 – September 30), 9am–8pm (October), 9am–5pm (November 1 – March 31). Hours and pricing can change, so it’s worth double-checking with the museum directly if your visit is time-sensitive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the War Museum in Dubrovnik called?
The Homeland War Museum Dubrovnik — its exhibition is “Dubrovnik in the Homeland War 1991–1995,” inside Fort Imperial on Mount Srđ.
Where is it exactly?
Inside Fort Imperial on Mount Srđ, directly above Dubrovnik’s Old Town, next to the upper cable car station.
How do I get there?
Cable car, car, taxi, bus to Bosanka plus a short walk, hiking the Serpentine Path, or as part of a buggy tour.
How much does it cost?
€5 for adults, €3 for schoolchildren and students, free for children under 7.
Can I combine it with a buggy tour?
Yes — the museum and our buggy tours both start from the Mount Srđ summit, making it easy to do both in one visit.
Is it suitable for tourists who aren’t history buffs?
Yes, though some exhibits deal directly with war, destruction, and civilian suffering — worth knowing going in.
Ready to explore the rest of Mount Srđ? Check buggy tour availability.