St Lawrence's Fortress is situated on a 37 metre-high rock to the west of the Old City. The symbol of Dubrovnik's survival and freedom, the Fortress defended the City from the sea and covered the western Pile Gate. Above the entrance to the Fortress is the famed inscription: NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO (Freedom is not to be sold for all the world's gold).

The first official records mention the Fortress in 1301, although it is believed that its construction began much earlier. Today St Lawrence's is well known as one of Dubrovnik Summer Festival's main open-air stages, particularly known to be the most suitable stage for Shakespeare's Hamlet in the world. Some of the finest actors have appeared on its terraces in the role of the unfortunate prince of Denmark, among them Rade Šerbedžija, Daniel Day Lewis, Derek Jacobi and Goran Višnjić.