Vukovar Water Tower

Our last quick stop was perhaps the most famous monument to the Croatian War for Independence. Someday I'd like to make the climb to the top.

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Riddled with bullet holes and shrapnel scars, the Vukovar Water Tower stands as one of Croatia’s most striking war memorials. Once just a functional utility building, it became a symbol of defiance during the brutal 87-day siege of Vukovar in 1991. Despite constant shelling - over 600 direct hits—the tower never collapsed. Even more remarkable? Every night, two local men, Ivica Ivanika and Ivica Juric, risked their lives to climb the battered structure and re-raise the Croatian flag after it was shot down. Again and again. To the people of Vukovar - and to all of Croatia - the tower became more than concrete and steel. It was resistance. It was home.

Today, the tower has been preserved in its damaged state, now housing a museum and a glass-enclosed observation deck that looks out over the Danube. Inside, multimedia exhibits walk you through the story of the siege, the resilience of the town, and the cost of freedom.Read more