Dubrovnik Cistern by junge1

Photography • Historical • posted on Apr 04, 2011

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Description

The cistern, also called Onofrio's Fountain, was built by Onofrio della Cava in 1438. He accessed water from a well 12 km distant from the City of Dubrovnik and diverted it to this cistern. The cistern was heavily damaged in 1667 by an earthquake. During the 'Siege of Dubrovnik', a term marking the battle and siege of the City of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area in Croatia as part of the Croatian War of Independence, the Yugoslav People's Army invaded the Dubrovnik area in October 1991 from Montenegro, Bosnia, and parts of Croatia, surrounding the city in order to conquer it. This caused at least 15,000 refugees of which 7,000 were evacuated by sea. A three months bombardment ensued. Major fighting ended in early 1992 and the Croatian counterattack finally lifted the siege and liberated the area in mid-1992. During that time the City itself was without electricity or fresh water for at least two months. But unbeknownst to the invaders, this cistern provided drinking water for the city's inhabitants and later fresh water was brought in by ships. For all other water uses, such as laundry etc, sea water was used. (Source: Tour guide). This picture was taken from the city wall on 5 July 2007, Sig...