Vukovar City Center

Vukovar, Croatia
mid-18th century
Although the port city of Vukovar began as a medieval fortress, it was not until 1692, following its destruction by departing Turkish occupiers that a new, largely baroque town developed. Vukovar continued to grow and prosper into one of Croatia's largest and most significant cities, until a three-month siege in 1991 by Serbian forces in which some half million missiles were launched on the city. Notable ecclesiastical and secular buildings included the Eltz Castle, Franciscan Friary and Church, Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, and New City Hall. These and other buildings of national and cultural importance were singled out for destruction and looting by occupying forces, who ultimately retreated in 1997, leaving the city in ruins. Vukovar has been reincarnated before, and it is poised for yet another rebirth. An initial plan has been drawn for the restoration of 14 buildings in particular, followed by the reroofing of every important damaged building in the city's core. But sizeable funds and supplies are needed, as well as construction experts located in situ.