Laurens Castra, in Ancient Geography, a town of Latium, supposed to be the royal residence of those most ancient kings Latinus, Picus, and Faunus, (Virgil). Hither the emperor Commodus retired during a pestilence. Its name was Laurentium from an adjoining grove of bay trees, midway between Ostia and Antium. Supposed to have stood in the place now called San Lorenzo; which seems to be confirmed from the Via Laurentina leading to Rome.

Lauro, Philippo, a celebrated painter, was born at Rome in 1623. He learned the first rudiments of the art from his father Balthasar, who was himself a good painter. He afterwards studied under Angelo Carofello, his brother-in-law; and proved so great a proficient, that in a short time he far surpassed his tutor in design, colouring, and elegance of taste. He applied himself to painting historical subjects in a small size, enriching the backgrounds with lively landscapes, that afforded the eye and the judgment equal entertainment; but though his small paintings are best approved, he finished several grand compositions for altar pieces that were highly esteemed. He died in 1694; and his works are eagerly bought up at high prices all over Europe.