Genealogy Research and Vital Records in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Italian Birth, Marriage and Death Records and On-Site Genealogy Research in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is one of the most important regions of northern Italy for genealogical and family history research. I provide professional on-site research throughout Emilia-Romagna, helping clients locate Italian birth, marriage, and death records, historical family records, and other documents relating to their Italian ancestors.
Research may involve municipal Civil Registration Offices (Uffici dello Stato Civile), Registry Offices (Uffici Anagrafe), State Archives, diocesan archives, and local parishes, depending on the period and the type of record required.
I can assist with obtaining official birth, marriage, and death records from municipalities throughout the provinces of Bologna, Ferrara, Forlì-Cesena, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia, and Rimini. I also conduct genealogical research when records are not available online or when identifying the correct municipality, parish, or historical jurisdiction requires additional investigation.
These records may be required for Italian citizenship applications, genealogy and family history research, probate and inheritance matters, or other administrative and legal purposes.
Municipalities in the Province of Bologna
The Province of Bologna includes the following municipalities:
Alto Reno Terme, Anzola dell'Emilia, Argelato, Baricella, Bentivoglio, Bologna, Borgo Tossignano, Budrio, Calderara di Reno, Camugnano, Casalecchio di Reno, Casalfiumanese, Castel d'Aiano, Castel del Rio, Castel di Casio, Castel Guelfo di Bologna, Castel Maggiore, Castel San Pietro Terme, Castello d'Argile, Castenaso, Castiglione dei Pepoli, Crevalcore, Dozza, Fontanelice, Gaggio Montano, Galliera, Granarolo dell'Emilia, Grizzana Morandi, Imola, Lizzano in Belvedere, Loiano, Malalbergo, Marzabotto, Medicina, Minerbio, Molinella, Monghidoro, Monte San Pietro, Monterenzio, Monzuno, Mordano, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Pianoro, Pieve di Cento, Sala Bolognese, San Benedetto Val di Sambro, San Giorgio di Piano, San Giovanni in Persiceto, San Lazzaro di Savena, San Pietro in Casale, Sant'Agata Bolognese, Sasso Marconi, Valsamoggia, Vergato, and Zola Predosa.
Former Municipalities and Municipal Changes in the Province of Bologna
Historical municipal changes can be particularly important in genealogical research because older civil, parish, military, and population records may identify an ancestor's place of origin under the name of a municipality that no longer exists independently.
Valsamoggia – The municipality of Valsamoggia was established on January 1, 2014, through the merger of the former municipalities of Bazzano, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, Monteveglio, and Savigno. Historical records created before the merger may therefore be registered or catalogued under one of these former municipalities rather than Valsamoggia.
Alto Reno Terme – The municipality of Alto Reno Terme was established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of the former municipalities of Granaglione and Porretta Terme. Earlier birth, marriage, death, family, and parish records may therefore continue to be identified under Granaglione or Porretta Terme.
When researching an ancestor from the Province of Bologna, identifying the historical municipality can be essential for determining which municipality, archive, or parish now holds the relevant records.
Genealogy Research and Vital Records in the Province of Ferrara
I provide professional genealogy and family history research throughout the Province of Ferrara, including on-site research when records are not available online.
Birth, marriage, and death records may be held by the Civil Registration Office (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of the municipality where the event was registered. Depending on the period and the type of research, additional records may also be found in municipal archives, the State Archives of Ferrara, diocesan archives, and local parishes.
I can assist with locating and obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death certificates, extracts, and full copies of civil records, as well as historical family records and other documents useful for genealogy, Italian citizenship, probate, inheritance, and family history research.
Municipalities in the Province of Ferrara
The Province of Ferrara includes the following municipalities:
Argenta, Bondeno, Cento, Codigoro, Comacchio, Copparo, Ferrara, Fiscaglia, Goro, Jolanda di Savoia, Lagosanto, Masi Torello, Mesola, Ostellato, Poggio Renatico, Portomaggiore, Riva del Po, Terre del Reno, Tresignana, Vigarano Mainarda, and Voghiera.
Former Municipalities and Municipal Changes in the Province of Ferrara
Historical municipal changes are particularly important in genealogical research because older civil, parish, military, and population records may be catalogued under municipalities that no longer exist independently.
Fiscaglia – The municipality of Fiscaglia was established on January 1, 2014, through the merger of the former municipalities of Migliaro, Migliarino, and Massa Fiscaglia. Historical records created before the merger may therefore be registered or catalogued under any of these three former municipalities.
Terre del Reno – The municipality of Terre del Reno was established on January 1, 2017, through the merger of the former municipalities of Mirabello and Sant'Agostino. Earlier birth, marriage, death, family, and parish records may therefore continue to be identified under Mirabello or Sant'Agostino.
Riva del Po – The municipality of Riva del Po was established on January 1, 2019, through the merger of the former municipalities of Berra and Ro. Genealogical records dating from before the merger may consequently be found under either Berra or Ro rather than Riva del Po.
Tresignana – The municipality of Tresignana was established on January 1, 2019, through the merger of the former municipalities of Formignana and Tresigallo. Historical civil and parish records may therefore continue to be catalogued under either of these former municipalities.
When researching an ancestor from the Province of Ferrara, identifying the historical municipality can be essential for determining which municipality, archive, or parish now holds the relevant records.
Municipalities in the Province of Forlì-Cesena
The Province of Forlì-Cesena includes the following municipalities:
Bagno di Romagna, Bertinoro, Borghi, Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, Cesena, Cesenatico, Civitella di Romagna, Dovadola, Forlì, Forlimpopoli, Galeata, Gambettola, Gatteo, Longiano, Meldola, Mercato Saraceno, Modigliana, Montiano, Portico e San Benedetto, Predappio, Premilcuore, Rocca San Casciano, Roncofreddo, San Mauro Pascoli, Santa Sofia, Sarsina, Savignano sul Rubicone, Sogliano al Rubicone, Tredozio, and Verghereto.
Former Municipalities and Historical Administrative Changes in the Province of Forlì-Cesena
Historical administrative boundaries are important in genealogical research because the municipality named in an older birth, marriage, death, military, or parish record may not always correspond exactly to the present-day administrative jurisdiction.
Unlike some other provinces of Emilia-Romagna, the Province of Forlì-Cesena has not been significantly affected by the recent municipal mergers that created new municipalities elsewhere in the region. Historical research in this area therefore often requires attention to older municipal boundaries, historical place names, localities, and ecclesiastical jurisdictions rather than only to recent municipal mergers.
When researching an ancestor from the Province of Forlì-Cesena, I can help identify the correct present-day municipality, archive, or parish responsible for records relating to a historical place name or former administrative jurisdiction.
Genealogy Research and Vital Records in the Province of Modena
I provide professional genealogy and family history research throughout the Province of Modena, including on-site research when records are not available online.
Birth, marriage, and death records may be held by the Civil Registration Office (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of the municipality where the event was registered. Depending on the period and the type of research, additional records may also be found in municipal archives, the State Archives of Modena, diocesan archives, and local parishes.
I can assist with locating and obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death certificates, extracts, and full copies of civil records, as well as historical family records and other documents useful for genealogy, Italian citizenship, probate, inheritance, and family history research.
Municipalities in the Province of Modena
The Province of Modena includes the following 47 municipalities:
Bastiglia, Bomporto, Campogalliano, Camposanto, Carpi, Castelfranco Emilia, Castelnuovo Rangone, Castelvetro di Modena, Cavezzo, Concordia sulla Secchia, Fanano, Finale Emilia, Fiorano Modenese, Fiumalbo, Formigine, Frassinoro, Guiglia, Lama Mocogno, Maranello, Marano sul Panaro, Medolla, Mirandola, Modena, Montecreto, Montefiorino, Montese, Nonantola, Novi di Modena, Palagano, Pavullo nel Frignano, Pievepelago, Polinago, Prignano sulla Secchia, Ravarino, Riolunato, San Cesario sul Panaro, San Felice sul Panaro, San Possidonio, San Prospero, Sassuolo, Savignano sul Panaro, Serramazzoni, Sestola, Soliera, Spilamberto, Vignola, and Zocca.
Historical Municipalities and Jurisdictions in the Province of Modena
Historical place names and administrative boundaries can be important when researching families from the Province of Modena. Older civil, parish, military, and population records may refer to localities, parishes, or historical jurisdictions differently from modern records.
Unlike several other provinces of Emilia-Romagna, Modena has not been affected by the recent completed municipal mergers that created new municipalities elsewhere in the region. For genealogical research, it is therefore particularly important to distinguish between the present-day municipality, historical localities and frazioni, and the ecclesiastical jurisdiction responsible for older parish records.
When necessary, I can help identify the present-day municipality, archive, parish, or other repository responsible for records relating to an ancestor whose place of origin appears under an older geographical or administrative name.
Municipalities in the Province of Parma
The Province of Parma includes the following municipalities:
Albareto, Bardi, Bedonia, Berceto, Bore, Borgo Val di Taro, Busseto, Calestano, Collecchio, Colorno, Compiano, Corniglio, Felino, Fidenza, Fontanellato, Fontevivo, Fornovo di Taro, Langhirano, Lesignano de' Bagni, Medesano, Monchio delle Corti, Montechiarugolo, Neviano degli Arduini, Noceto, Palanzano, Parma, Pellegrino Parmense, Polesine Zibello, Roccabianca, Sala Baganza, Salsomaggiore Terme, San Secondo Parmense, Sissa Trecasali, Solignano, Soragna, Sorbolo Mezzani, Terenzo, Tizzano Val Parma, Tornolo, Torrile, Traversetolo, Valmozzola, Varano de' Melegari, and Varsi.
Former Municipalities and Municipal Changes in the Province of Parma
Historical municipal changes are particularly important in genealogical research because older civil, parish, military, and population records may be catalogued under municipalities that no longer exist independently.
Sissa Trecasali – The present municipality was created through the merger of the former municipalities of Sissa and Trecasali. Historical records relating to families from this area may therefore be found under either of these former municipalities.
Polesine Zibello – The municipality was established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of the former municipalities of Polesine Parmense and Zibello. Earlier birth, marriage, death, and family records may consequently be registered or catalogued under Polesine Parmense or Zibello rather than Polesine Zibello. The 2015 regional law establishing the merger is also referenced in current 2026 regional documentation.
Sorbolo Mezzani – The municipality was established on January 1, 2019, through the merger of the former municipalities of Sorbolo and Mezzani. Historical records created before the merger may therefore continue to be identified under either Sorbolo or Mezzani.
When researching an ancestor from the Province of Parma, identifying the historical municipality can be essential for determining which municipality, archive, or parish now holds the relevant records.
Genealogy Research and Vital Records in the Province of Piacenza
I provide professional genealogy and family history research throughout the Province of Piacenza, including on-site research when records are not available online.
Birth, marriage, and death records may be held by the Civil Registration Office (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of the municipality where the event was registered. Depending on the period and the type of research, additional records may also be found in municipal archives, the State Archives of Piacenza, diocesan archives, and local parishes.
I can assist with locating and obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death certificates, extracts, and full copies of civil records, as well as historical family records, military records, parish records, and other documents useful for genealogy, Italian citizenship, probate, inheritance, and family history research.
Municipalities in the Province of Piacenza
The Province of Piacenza includes the following municipalities:
Agazzano, Alseno, Alta Val Tidone, Besenzone, Bettola, Bobbio, Borgonovo Val Tidone, Cadeo, Calendasco, Caorso, Carpaneto Piacentino, Castell'Arquato, Castel San Giovanni, Castelvetro Piacentino, Cerignale, Coli, Corte Brugnatella, Cortemaggiore, Farini, Ferriere, Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Gazzola, Gossolengo, Gragnano Trebbiense, Gropparello, Lugagnano Val d'Arda, Monticelli d'Ongina, Morfasso, Ottone, Piacenza, Pianello Val Tidone, Piozzano, Podenzano, Ponte dell'Olio, Pontenure, Rivergaro, Rottofreno, San Giorgio Piacentino, San Pietro in Cerro, Sarmato, Travo, Vernasca, Vigolzone, Villanova sull'Arda, Zerba, and Ziano Piacentino.
Former Municipalities and Municipal Changes in the Province of Piacenza
Historical municipal changes can be particularly important in genealogical research because older birth, marriage, death, residence, military, and parish records may identify an ancestor's place of origin under the name of a municipality that no longer exists independently.
Alta Val Tidone – The municipality of Alta Val Tidone was established on January 1, 2018, through the merger of the former municipalities of Caminata, Nibbiano, and Pecorara. Genealogical and civil records created before the merger may therefore be registered under any of these three former municipalities rather than Alta Val Tidone.
The former municipal names Caminata, Nibbiano, and Pecorara remain particularly important when researching families from the Val Tidone area, since historical civil, parish, military, population, and family records may continue to be catalogued under these earlier jurisdictions.
Other historical records from the Province of Piacenza may contain older municipal designations, former place names, or references to localities whose administrative or ecclesiastical jurisdiction has changed over time. Correctly identifying the municipality responsible for a historical record can therefore be essential before requesting documents or conducting archival research.
When necessary, I can identify the correct present-day municipality, archive, or parish responsible for records relating to an ancestor whose place of birth, marriage, residence, or death appears under an older geographical or administrative name.
Genealogy Research and Vital Records in the Province of Ravenna
I provide professional genealogy and family history research throughout the Province of Ravenna, including on-site research when records are not available online.
Birth, marriage, and death records may be held by the Civil Registration Office (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of the municipality where the event was registered. Depending on the period and the type of research, additional records may also be found in municipal archives, the State Archives of Ravenna, diocesan archives, and local parishes.
I can assist with locating and obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death certificates, extracts, and full copies of civil records, as well as historical family records and other documents useful for genealogy, Italian citizenship, probate, inheritance, and family history research.
Municipalities in the Province of Ravenna
The Province of Ravenna includes the following 18 municipalities:
Alfonsine, Bagnacavallo, Bagnara di Romagna, Brisighella, Casola Valsenio, Castel Bolognese, Cervia, Conselice, Cotignola, Faenza, Fusignano, Lugo, Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Riolo Terme, Russi, Sant'Agata sul Santerno, and Solarolo.
Historical Municipalities and Jurisdictions in the Province of Ravenna
Historical place names and administrative boundaries can be important when researching families from the Province of Ravenna. Older civil, parish, military, and population records may refer to localities, parishes, or historical jurisdictions differently from modern records.
Unlike several other provinces of Emilia-Romagna, the Province of Ravenna has not been significantly affected by the recent municipal mergers that created new municipalities elsewhere in the region. For genealogical research, it is therefore particularly important to identify the municipality, historical locality, parish, and ecclesiastical jurisdiction associated with the ancestor at the time the record was created.
When necessary, I can help identify the present-day municipality, archive, parish, or other repository responsible for records relating to an ancestor whose place of origin appears under an older geographical or administrative name.
Genealogy Research and Vital Records in the Province of Reggio Emilia
I provide professional genealogy and family history research throughout the Province of Reggio Emilia, including on-site research when records are not available online.
Birth, marriage, and death records may be held by the Civil Registration Office (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of the municipality where the event was registered. Depending on the period and the type of research, additional records may also be found in municipal archives, the State Archives of Reggio Emilia, diocesan archives, and local parishes.
I can assist with locating and obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death certificates, extracts, and full copies of civil records, as well as historical family records and other documents useful for genealogy, Italian citizenship, probate, inheritance, and family history research.
Municipalities in the Province of Reggio Emilia
The Province of Reggio Emilia includes the following municipalities:
Albinea, Bagnolo in Piano, Baiso, Bibbiano, Boretto, Brescello, Cadelbosco di Sopra, Campagnola Emilia, Campegine, Canossa, Carpineti, Casalgrande, Casina, Castellarano, Castelnovo di Sotto, Castelnovo ne' Monti, Cavriago, Correggio, Fabbrico, Gattatico, Gualtieri, Guastalla, Luzzara, Montecchio Emilia, Novellara, Poviglio, Quattro Castella, Reggio Emilia, Reggiolo, Rio Saliceto, Rolo, Rubiera, San Martino in Rio, San Polo d'Enza, Sant'Ilario d'Enza, Scandiano, Toano, Ventasso, Vetto, Vezzano sul Crostolo, Viano, and Villa Minozzo.
Former Municipalities and Municipal Changes in the Province of Reggio Emilia
Historical municipal changes can be particularly important in genealogical research because older civil, parish, military, and population records may identify an ancestor's place of origin under the name of a municipality that no longer exists independently.
Ventasso – The municipality of Ventasso was established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of the former municipalities of Busana, Collagna, Ligonchio, and Ramiseto. Historical records created before the merger may therefore be registered or catalogued under any of these four former municipalities rather than Ventasso.
The former municipal names Busana, Collagna, Ligonchio, and Ramiseto remain particularly important for genealogical research because birth, marriage, death, residence, military, and parish records created before 2016 may continue to be organized under these historical jurisdictions.
When researching an ancestor from the Province of Reggio Emilia, identifying the historical municipality can be essential for determining which present-day municipality, archive, or parish now holds the relevant records.
Genealogy Research and Vital Records in the Province of Rimini
I provide professional genealogy and family history research throughout the Province of Rimini, including on-site research when records are not available online.
Birth, marriage, and death records may be held by the Civil Registration Office (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of the municipality where the event was registered. Depending on the period and the type of research, additional records may also be found in municipal archives, the State Archives, diocesan archives, and local parishes.
I can assist with locating and obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death certificates, extracts, and full copies of civil records, as well as historical family records and other documents useful for genealogy, Italian citizenship, probate, inheritance, and family history research.
Municipalities in the Province of Rimini
The Province of Rimini includes the following municipalities:
Bellaria-Igea Marina, Casteldelci, Cattolica, Coriano, Gemmano, Maiolo, Misano Adriatico, Mondaino, Montefiore Conca, Montegridolfo, Montescudo-Monte Colombo, Morciano di Romagna, Novafeltria, Pennabilli, Poggio Torriana, Riccione, Rimini, Saludecio, San Clemente, San Giovanni in Marignano, San Leo, Sant'Agata Feltria, Santarcangelo di Romagna, Talamello, and Verucchio.
Former Municipalities and Municipal Changes in the Province of Rimini
Historical municipal changes can be particularly important in genealogical research because older civil, parish, military, and population records may identify an ancestor's place of origin under the name of a municipality that no longer exists independently.
Poggio Torriana – The municipality of Poggio Torriana was established on January 1, 2014, through the merger of the former municipalities of Poggio Berni and Torriana. Historical records created before the merger may therefore be registered or catalogued under either Poggio Berni or Torriana rather than Poggio Torriana.
Montescudo-Monte Colombo – The municipality was established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of the former municipalities of Montescudo and Monte Colombo. Earlier birth, marriage, death, family, and parish records may therefore continue to be identified under either of these former municipalities.
When researching an ancestor from the Province of Rimini, identifying the historical municipality can be essential for determining which present-day municipality, archive, or parish now holds the relevant records.
Examples of Italian Genealogy and Vital Records from Emilia-Romagna
The following are examples of Italian civil, parish, and administrative records obtained through genealogical and document research in Emilia-Romagna. These historical records can provide valuable information about ancestors, including names, dates and places of birth, parents' names, marriages, deaths, family relationships, and citizenship.
Birth Record from Sant'Agostino, Ferrara
Extract from the Italian civil birth register of the former municipality of Sant'Agostino, now part of Terre del Reno.
Birth Record from Caminata, Piacenza
Birth extract showing the parents' names from the former municipality of Caminata, now part of Alta Val Tidone.
Birth Certificate from Fornovo di Taro, Parma
Italian birth certificate showing the names of the father and mother.
Birth Record from Marzabotto, Bologna
Extract from the Italian civil birth register issued by the Municipality of Marzabotto.
Marriage Record from Bettola, Piacenza
Extract from the Italian civil marriage register issued by the Municipality of Bettola.
Full Copy of an Italian Death Record
Example of a full copy (copia integrale) of an Italian civil death record.
Apostille Services in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
I can also assist with obtaining an Apostille in Italy for Italian documents issued in Emilia-Romagna when the document must be used abroad.
Depending on the type of document and the authority that issued it, the Apostille may be obtained from the competent Prefettura (Prefecture) or other designated Italian authority.
This service may be useful for Italian birth, marriage, and death records, citizenship documents, court documents, and other official Italian records that must be presented in countries that recognize the Hague Apostille Convention.
I can arrange the necessary procedure in Emilia-Romagna and, once completed, send the original documents abroad by FedEx or UPS.
For more information about the procedure, see my Apostille in Italy for Italian Documents service page.
Apostille Issued by the Prefettura di Bologna, Italy
Example of an Italian Apostille for a document issued in Emilia-Romagna.
Need Genealogy Research or Vital Records from Emilia-Romagna?
If your ancestors came from Emilia-Romagna and you need help locating birth, marriage, or death records, identifying the correct municipality or parish, or conducting on-site genealogical research, I can assist you.
I work directly with municipalities, archives, diocesan archives, and parishes throughout Italy to locate historical records that may not be available online.
Whether you are researching your family history, preparing an Italian citizenship application, or need official Italian records for probate, inheritance, or other legal and administrative purposes, please contact me with the information you already have about your Italian ancestor.