They come today to tred the Walk of Shame, but look around you and you will catch another Dubrovnik where war is real.
That the world pronounces that they will try and protect such jewels is admirable.
Although philistines and warmongers pay little heed.
Cities of culture
As anyone knows who followed the Dresden story and witnessed how they rebuilt that Renaissance city, the Florence of the Elbe.
History moves on and for Dresden 1945 read Dubrovnik 1991.
When the expansionist Serbs laid siege to the Pearl of the Adriatic over the autumn and winter of that year of change.
The tragedy of the Siege of Dubrovnik is that it had become a refuge for Croatians from neighbouring towns and villages.
Those who believed its cultural heritage would prick the Serbs’ conscience.
Defenders of Dubrovnik
The full story of the Fight for the Homeland is detailed at the War Museum above the Old Town.
Which today’s visitors can reach by cable car (€32 for two) which do give stunning vistas.
Although if you’re feeling fit you can walk up the winding 2km path.
It was after all how the defenders of Dubrovnik scaled the heights.
With their donkeys and their artillery and provisions.
The War Museum is a testament to the courage of the Defenders of Dubrovnik.
Road to freedom
Military aficionados will focus on the cache of weapons and uniforms and insignia on display.
While for this journalist and his photojournalist wife the audio film and pictorial and editorial displays of the Siege capture our attention.
We spend a couple of hours learning and assimilating the Siege of Dubrovnik before walking down the slopes to the Old Town.
We place stones by the crosses that mark the winding path and say a prayer at the Stations of the Cross.
It is a leisurely stroll and one not afforded those who fought and died here in 1991.
Let the Games begin
A Game of Thrones tour awaits us down by the fountain at the front gates of the Old Town.
It is, of course, all fantasy which we will share with you as we continue our loveholidays and EasyJet holiday.
And for that we are all thankful.