Genealogy in Sulmona
Tracing your Italian roots back to Sulmona (in L’Aquila province, Abruzzo region) begins with understanding which records and documents exist and where they are preserved. On this page you’ll find a clear guide to the civil, parish and historical sources available for genealogy in Sulmona.
Sulmona family history at a glance
- Region: Abruzzo
- Province: L’Aquila
- Type of records: civil and parish records
- Civil registration: from 1809 onwards
- Parish records: often older than civil records (in some cases from the 1500s)
How to research your ancestry in Sulmona
Thanks to its network of local experts, Italianside has developed significant experience in genealogical research in the province of L’Aquila. For this reason, over the years it has become a reliable reference for those wishing to reconnect with their Italian roots and could be a key partner in the success of your research too. You can read the feedbacks of our customers on our testimonials page
Our experts in Abruzzo region, conducted genealogy research on historical families from Sulmona, involving many surnames traditionally found in the town, including branches of the following families: Del Signore, De Panfilis, Presutti, Schiavo, Spinosa, Giammarco, Pantaleo, Paolini, Marinucci, Santilli, Cantelmi, D’Angelo, Caputo, Del Monaco and others.
Many info relating to families and individuals available in public and private local archives include, in addition to names and dates, further information such as occupations, the address where family lived (a great info if you plan to visit Sulmona!), and key social relationships within the community in past centuries.
The information in genealogy research derives from the archives available for on-site research in Sulmona and Abruzzo. During the previous activities, our local genealogists already developed studies, family trees, cross-referenced family relationships, occupational histories, deciphered or translated documents, residential patterns, and visual documentation useful to add information now forgotten to the history of your family.
Research activities may include all major sources available at municipal, provincial, and regional level:
• civil records
• parish registers
• notarial archives
• military records
• cadastral and property records
• historical and photographic sources available in private archives
Direct access to local archives and a deep understanding of the local context allow for more complete and accurate results. Research may be carried out using all available sources in both public and private archives.
ItalianSide research: Beyond Names and Dates
Italian genealogy is deeply local. It can’t be reduced only about collecting birth and death dates.
In Abruzzo, every municipality — including Sulmona — has its own archival history, record‑keeping traditions, and unique documentary sources. This is why Italianside is able to help you in your Italian ancestry research, through a national network of local experts, each specialized in the archives of their specific territory.
Our researcher who works in Sulmona and in the Province of L’Aquila knows how to navigate local civil, parish, military, and notarial records, uncovering details that go far beyond basic dates. By combining national coordination and methodology with deep local expertise, our researcher will bring your ancestors’ stories back to life within the history of the Sulmona community.
Civil Records (Stato Civile) in Sulmona
In towns and villages of Abruzzo and in L’Aquila province, civil registration offices were established in 1809. This means you can often find your ancestors’ civil records in the Town Hall archives of Sulmona from that year onwards.
(If your goal is to obtain Italian citizenship and you need official certificates from Sulmona, please follow this link.)
If you know that your ancestors lived in Sulmona during the past centuries, the City Office of Sulmona is usually the first place to start your family research. Our local expert can access these records on your behalf and interpret them correctly.
- Professions: discover what your ancestors did for a living.
- Addresses: find the street or house where the family lived in Sulmona.
- Family links: identify parents, witnesses and neighbours that appear in the records.
- Signatures and notes: see how your ancestors signed and read any marginal annotations.
If you prefer to contact the Town Hall by yourself, we suggest reading our genealogy tips for Italy. They include practical advice for research in Abruzzo and specifically in Sulmona.
Street names in Sulmona
The names of the street in Sulmona, can help identify ancestral addresses found in civil records, parish documents, and old family papers.
At today, some of the main streets in Sulmona are: VIA MARANE PALAZZO, CORSO OVIDIO, VIALE GIUSEPPE MAZZINI, VIA CASE LUPI, VIA CIRCONVALLAZIONE OCCIDENTALE, VIA POLA, VIALE DELLE METAMORFOSI, VIA CAPPUCCINI, VIA MARANE CASE NUOVE, VIA CIRCONVALLAZIONE ORIENTALE, VIA SAN POLO, VIA MONTESANTO, VIALE VENTICINQUE APRILE, VIA CAVATE, VIA STAZIONE INTRODACQUA, VIALE STAZIONE CENTRALE, VIA BADIA FONTE D’AMORE, VIA TORRONE, VIA CAPRARECCIA, VIA GORIZIA and others.
If you want help to identify street names connected with your ancestors in Sulmona just follow the link below.
Population trends in Sulmona
The chart below shows the demographic trends in Sulmona from the Italian Unification (1861). Understanding how many people lived in the town over time is useful when interpreting migration and family movements.
Church Records in Sulmona
Church archives in L’Aquila province often preserve information that predates civil records. Parish registers include baptisms, marriages and burials and sometimes allow you to push your family tree back into the 1700s and 1600s.
In many areas of Abruzzo, parish registers began around the 1500s. These manuscripts are not easy to access from abroad and can be hard to read without specific training.
Our local genealogists, graduated in history and archival studies, can consult the parish archives of Sulmona on your behalf and reconstruct your family history through the centuries.
In case you want to visit churches, these are the addresses of parishes active today in Sulmona:
S. GIOVANNI APOSTOLO ED EVANGELISTA – Via dei Cappuccini
S. GIOVANNI DA CAPESTRANO – Via Torrone
S. GIUSEPPE – Via Marane
S. MARIA AD NIVES E S. PIETRO – Via Mazara
CRISTO RE – P.zza Capograssi
MADONNA PELLEGRINA – P.le Vittime Civili di Guerra
MARIA SS. AUSILIATRICE – Piazza Giuseppe Capograssi
S. MARIA DELLA TOMBA – P.zza Plebiscito
S. AGATA VERGINE E MARTIRE – P.zza Garibaldi
S. DOMENICO – Viale Gramsci
S. FAMIGLIA – Via Badia
S. FRANCESCO DI PAOLA – Via Monte Sacro
S. PANFILO VESCOVO – P.zza del Duomo
SS. CROCIFISSO – Viale T. Patini
Planning a visit to Sulmona
From our experience, if you plan to visit Sulmona we always recommend starting the research months before your arrival. This way you avoid spending your holidays in offices or churches dealing with bureaucracy.
Remember that archives are not open to the general public and officers or priests are not required by law to grant direct access to the records.
Thanks to the findings gathered by our genealogist before your trip, and the help of our local guides, you’ll have more time to plan the exact locations (family homes, churches, streets, cemeteries, etc.) you’ll visit during your stay in the city.
This way, you can enjoy the city and its surroundings, following in the footsteps of your ancestors for an unforgettable journey back to your roots.
Street names in Sulmona
The names of the street in Sulmona, can help identify ancestral addresses found in civil records, parish documents, and old family papers.
At today, some of the main streets in Sulmona are: VIA MARANE PALAZZO, CORSO OVIDIO, VIALE GIUSEPPE MAZZINI, VIA CASE LUPI, VIA CIRCONVALLAZIONE OCCIDENTALE, VIA POLA, VIALE DELLE METAMORFOSI, VIA CAPPUCCINI, VIA MARANE CASE NUOVE, VIA CIRCONVALLAZIONE ORIENTALE, VIA SAN POLO, VIA MONTESANTO, VIALE VENTICINQUE APRILE, VIA CAVATE, VIA STAZIONE INTRODACQUA, VIALE STAZIONE CENTRALE, VIA BADIA FONTE D’AMORE, VIA TORRONE, VIA CAPRARECCIA, VIA GORIZIA and others.
If you want help to identify street names connected with your ancestors in Sulmona just follow the link below.
Notary records and other historical sources
Another important source of information is represented by notary documents, which preserve wills, dowries, property sales and contracts. These records are usually kept in provincial and State Archives and can provide valuable details on the social and economic life of your family.
Military records
Conscription lists and service records documenting physical descriptions, dates and places of enlistment, units and ranks held, periods of service, military postings, transfers, and movements, often providing detailed insight into an individual’s life beyond civil registration.
Cadastral and property records in Sulmona
Historical cadastral and land records used to identify property ownership, track real estate transfers over time, and confirm the historical presence of families within Sulmona. ItalianSide provides professional assistance in accessing and interpreting these records, where available.
Historical and photographic sources available in private archives
Historical photographs, prints, and documents from private collections—including ItalianSide’s archive of vintage images from Sulmona and Abruzzo region are available. Old pictures add significant value to your family history research and offer a real sense of the places where your ancestors once lived.
Professional help for research in Sulmona
If you need professional support from our local genealogist in the Sulmona area, write to sulmona@italianside.com or fill the form here. Our expert will study your request and reply with a research plan and a quote tailored to your family history.
Messages from other visitors in Sulmona
Here below you can read messages from other visitors in the Sulmona forum. If you simply want to discuss genealogy in Sulmona with other people, feel free to leave a message.
Looking to find info 9n my paternal grandfather, Filippo gabriele, in America philip gabriel left between May or June 1905 on the german ship the Koenig albert
I am wanting to confirm info and get missing info on current family line shown. As well as go back far as I can. I am coming to Italy and plan to visit Sulmona for first time in early September.
Here is what I have starting with me. I see the last name looks to change ?
Letterio Family men
7 Generations from you!
Wait till I go to Italy in September!
Anthony Paul Letterio 7/24/1969-
Brooklyn NY
Albert John Letterio Jr 10/6/1948-
Beacon New York
Albert John Letterio Sr 3/11/1919-
10/19/2001
Beacon New York
Cosimo Charles Letterio 9/27/1883-
4/10/1964
Sulmona Italy
Francisco Letterio dates not confirmed
Sulmona Italy
Agostino Francesco Raffaele Letteri
1819-1919
Sulmona Italy
Panfilo Letteri
1783-1883
Looking for Ferrazzi family members in Sulmona.
I visited Sulmona 20 years ago hoping to find a link to my husband’s family without much luck. Surnames Presutti, DiFiore, Grossa, Casasante from Bugnara and Alfedena as well as Sulmona. Joseph Cesidio Presutti and Maria Grossa brought their family to the US in the early 1900s. Children are: Gemaria, Adelina, Francesco, Domenico, and Raffaele. The children were born 1880s and early 1890s.
Annunziata DiFiore’s parents are Luigi and Antonia Casasanta.
Any information would be helpful.
My father was from the nearby town of Pratola Peligna. He told me he went to primary school in Sulmona. This would have been 1958-1960. What would the name of the school have been? Any information would be helpful.
My grandfather Mario Caputo immigrated to the US in 1914 at the age of 7. His Father Frank Caputo was born in Sulmona around 1880. His wife Antonia Marinilli was born in Cocullo L’Aquilla Abruzzo and moved to Sulmona after their marriage. We have family that currently lives in Sulmona and I am interested in knowing my relatives beyond my great grandfather Frank Caputo and the parents of Anotnia Marinilli. Thank you for any assistance you may provide.
Looking for any information on Francesco Ricci and his wife Maria Grugnale. Their children were born in the 1890’s then moved to the US. The children are: Joseph, Dominic, Michael, and Lugi (stayed in Italy). This is my father-in-law’s family.
My Great Grandfather was named Agapito Vitale and he was from Sulmona. He was married to Antonia di Renzo on 06 September 1880 in Colledimezzo. I am trying to find out more about Agapito – his family lines for example. Thanks for any help.
I am looking for Sulmona ancestors of the De Martinis Family. My great grandfather Loreto James DeMartinis came to the US at 16 years of age in 1890s. His sister Luisa and brother Dominic remained as well as may other siblings. Luisa had daughters Liliana and Clara. She married a Capone. Any information would be great as we plan to be in Sulmona in March 2018.
I am researching my De Martinis cousins as well. Stanislao DeM. b. abt. 1858 in Sulmona. Sons include Raffaele, Alfred, Salvatore. Settled in Boston. Later in California. Best wishes ~
Hello, I was in Sulmona only a few weeks ago and intend to return. Tell me more about visiting church archives. My experience at the “Comune” was 2 out of 3 which is great but I need better. I have a decent knowledge of the town, but in case I visit soon, please let me know about retrieving baptismal records and marriage records. Thank you.
Hello. I am looking for information on my Great Grandparents who were both born in Sumona. Dominic Orsini and Anna DeCamillo Orsini They had my grandfather Ercole ENrico Orsini on 25 April 1889. Any information would be appreciated! Thanks
Hello from USA. I visited Sulmona last summer and it is beautiful, the way life should be. It felt like home. My father and grandparents were born in Bugnara; grandparents in 1888, Domenico Antonio Nolfi and Anna Concetta Incorvati. I will be back but would like to do as much research from here and would like to go back at least 3 more generations. My grandfather came to America in about 1914, and the remainder of the family 9 years after that. i can get the exact immigration dates if it is needed. Any suggestions?
Melody, is there a way to contact you? I think some of our relatives may come from the same place.
Hello,
I am researching my husband’s great grandmother, Teresa Trinchini. She was born on October 16, 1897 in Sulmona. The only other information that I have is that she married Joseph Gizzi, which was changed to Yates in England before he immigrated to America. I don’t know if they were married before they came here or not. She died in 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
I also don’t know if Joseph was from Sulmona or not. We pretty much don’t know anything about the Gizzi/Yates people, so any help would be wonderful. Thank you!
I see this is an old post but thought I would respond anyway.
I have a marriage in my wife’s family between Paul Trichini and Teresa Gizzi , I do not have dates but the family settled in Beacon New York.
Teresa Gizzi ‘s parents were Dominick Gizzi (Sulmona Italy) and Filomena Ranali Gizzi.
There were possibly two other boys and two other girls.
One of Teresa’s sisters was Anna Gizzi born 2 / 3 /1890 in Sulmona. Arrived in USA around 1907
Gentleman,
I am doing research on my father’s family, Frank A. Mauro. My dad was adopted, and his birth name was Francesco Cianchetta, born in the U.S.A. October 11, 1916.
My grandparents were from Sulmona. My grandmother was Maria Cianchetta (maiden name Tuddore), and her husband was Francesco Cianchetta born in 1870. I believe he is #244 in the birth register at Town Hall.
Would it be possible for anyone to obtain information on file on my grandmother and grandfather?
My grandfather was shot, and the man that shot him went on trial. I am trying to find the names of my grandmother’s attorney, and the man who shot my grandfather.
Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Frank
Hello, I’m trying to trace my family in Sulmona. My great grandfather’s name was Antonio Colangelo. He married his first cousin (my great-grandmother). Her name was Serafina Colangelo (her maiden name as well). They immigrated to the U.S. around the beginning of the 20th century. They had many children. One of them was my grandfather, Theodore Attillo Colangelo, born in New Mexico in 1912 or 13. I’d appreciate what you can find! Thank you.
researching Gregory Marinucci….married to Concetta DiFalco Marinucci
born probably 1870’s…..immigrated to USA late 1800’s
I am searching for my maternal grandfather’s family…..surname , Palomba.
In America it is the less common spelling. I know my grandfather was from Sulmona. His name on immigration papers reads: Costantino (spelled this way).
His name became William in America. I believe he he had several sisters..maybe Edith and Marie. Also a brother or two, I have no names. He visited Sulmona in 1958 or 1959, the only visit he ever made to his original home. I believe his family owned a hotel. His mother lived to be quite old…..101,102 years old.
I remember seeing a newspaper article sent from Sulmona featuring an article about my great grandmother who was apparently still walking to daily Mass at that age. My grandfather’s birthday I think was January of 1890. He left Italy for America around 1904 or 1906.
Any help to contact relatives would be so appreciated.
I am trying to find my ancestor Franseco Leopardi parents. He was born in L’Aquila about 1872 and migrated to the USA to settle in Boston. I am not sure but I think his farther name is Placito.
Thanks in advance.
I am trying to find info on the Del Fuoco family – had property at one time in Bugnara
and may have been originally been from Sulmona.
Casmaro Del Fuoco/ Maria Donenica Nolfi
Giovanni Del Fuoco – b. 9/2 7/1874 – married Maria Domenica Castrucci
Gemma Del Fuoco – b. 5/1/1888 – married Vincenzo De Benedetto
Hello,
I am researching the Tironi branch of my family and have come across references to them living Sulmona. Can you tell me where I would be able to obtain some information on the family that lived there? I am particularly interested in the history of the Palazzo Tironi and the family that resided in it. Would it be possible to get a close up photo of the escutcheon over the door to the entrance of the villa?
I would like historical information at this stage. I am trying to ascertain if these Tironis are related to my relatives who travelled to Australia from Dalmatia. If this is the case I will need help from a profession genealogist. Would you be able to provide me with the name of one of this is the case?
I’m researching my Oriola roots, and my ggrandfather’s sister in law was Concetta Tironi. She was born in 1880, and died in 1969. Her husband, Guiseppe Oriola was born 24 Aug 1879 and dies 1962.
The Oriolas were from Sulmona, and I’m assuming Concetta was too.
LRCote, I am also researching Oriolas from Sulmona as I anticipate a trip to Italy in 2018. My great grandfather was Michael (Michel) Oriola, married to Maria, and they emigrated to Massachusetts in the early 1900’s. My family has always wondered if the Oriolas were originally from Sulmona or did the brothers move there for work. I would be interested in any information on Oriolas in Sulmona.
In researching my wife’s family tree I have Litorio Spacone married Orazia Oriolo,
they had at least two sons:
Pietro Spacone (dates unknown)
Nunzio Spacone (born Mar 7th, 1885 (Scanno Abruzzia It)
(died July 7, 1948 ) married Anna Gizzi (November 26, 1907 )
I’ve hit a dead-end trying to find information about my great-grandmother who was a Colaberardino from Sulmona. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Hello, and greetings from Baltimore, Maryland, USA. My husband and I will be arriving in Sulmona on Saturday, September 19 this year. This will be my first trip to the mother-land for me — my mother’s entire family are from Sulmona going back many generations. I’ve tracked them back as far as the 1700’s.
What I have been unable to accomplish is to determine if I still have family living in Sulmona. Are you able to provide some guidance for me? I would love to meet my Italian family and am learning to speak Italian for just this trip.
Do I look in the telephone directory? Is there a local genealogical society? The family names include (most recent to most distant): Bucci (my grandfather), Presutti (my grandmother), Santilli (great-grandmother), DeSantis (2x great grandmother), DiLisio (2x great grandmother), and Natale (2x great grandmother). Further back there is Settevendemia, Giampietro, Romanelli, D’Antuono, Marinucci, Mancini, Schiavo, Volpe, Rapone, Pagliaro, Capaldo, Primavera, Gentile, Pietrorozio, DiPietro, Finocci. Many of last batch of names go way, way back in time.
Hello Ann Marie,
Just came across this posting. I am from the Santilli side. My mother was the daughter of Antonio Santilli, granddaughter of Cosimo (Cosmo) Santilli, great granddaughter of Antonio Santilli. I am just learning of the Sulmona connection and curious of you went to Sulmona since your last post and found any Santilli relatives. Thanks in advance!
Would like to locate relatives in SULMONA, Italy. My grandfather, George Riamondi was born in Sulmona and immigrated to the U.S. around 1896 and settled in Massachuetts.
I would like to go as far back as I can with my family tree. My grandfather Antonio Del Monte born 13.04.1901. I think my great grandfather was Domenico??? My grandmothers name was Concetta Di Bellis born 03.12.1903. They lived in Via Cappucini.
I still have family in Sulmona. Every-time I have come I would just love to sit and look through any archive to find my family’s heritage. Can you help on how I can get started.
Thank you
Cioa
Anna
My grandfather was known as “Christopher” in the states but I believe he had an Italian version of that name [he was known as “Cresentio (sp?) Izzo” on one document]. My grandfather was born circa 1885 and came to this country in 1906.
Through my Grandfather’s immigration and marriage records, I know that his father (my great grandfather) was named Dominico Gizzi and that the family was from Sulmona. My Great Grandfather may have been married to a woman back in Italy named Pholenia or Philomena (the document that I get this from is nearly illegible).
This is the only link that I have to my Italian roots. I would like to trace my genealogy. How would I locate records for “Christopher” and/or “Dominico” in Sulmona?
Thanks for any help you can give!
Hello my great grandmother an grand father were from Sulmona her name Frank Dilisio died 1918 , George Sylvester died 1931 wife Philomeina DiPaolo , there children Marie Louise Sylvester , son Edward Sylvester died 1932 , George Sylvester died 1962 , Albert Sylvester died at 27 yrs 1938 , Warren Sylvester born 1905 died 1977 , Marie Lousie Sylvester Cupido born 1901 died 1976 , Elanore Sylvester Sansone born 1920 ? Died 1988 ? They came here in early 1900s through Canada that’s all I know but they ended up in Pittsburg area an New Castle Pa Area I’m the Grandson of Rocco Cupido an Marie Lousie Sylvester Cupido , Son of Evalyne Cupido Fondrick
Responding to a very old post of yours from 2015 which i have only just read.
I see this is an old post but thought I would respond anyway.
I have a marriage in my wife’s family between Paul Trichini and Teresa Gizzi , I do not have dates but the family settled in Beacon New York.
Teresa Gizzi ‘s parents were Dominick Gizzi (Sulmona Italy) and Filomena Ranali Gizzi.
There were possibly two other boys and two other girls.
One of Teresa’s sisters was Anna Gizzi born 2 / 3 /1890 in Sulmona. Arrived in USA around 1907
Looking to find information on my grandfather and his parents from Sulmona. My granfather was Salvatore Peluso and a sister Angelina Peluso. Their parents were Pasquale and Maddelina Peluso. My grandfather, Salvatore came to the USA in 1920. I need his information to be able to establish citizenship to Italy.
Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.