Laurenzana Genealogy
Tracing your Italian roots back to Laurenzana (in Potenza province, Basilicata region) begins with understanding which records exist and where they are preserved. On this page you’ll find a clear guide to the historical sources as birth, marriage and death civil and religious records available for family history in Laurenzana.
Laurenzana family history at a glance
- Region: Basilicata
- Province: Potenza
- Type of records: civil and parish records
- Civil registration: from 1809 onwards
- Parish records: often older than civil records (in some cases from the 1600s)
How to research your ancestry in Laurenzana
Thanks to its network of local experts, Italianside has developed significant experience in genealogical research in the province of Potenza. 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 Basilicata region, conducted genealogy research on historical families from Laurenzana, involving many surnames traditionally found in the town, including branches of the following families: Manzi, Zito, Pavese, Motta, Donofrio, Fanelli, D’Onofrio, Nigro, Pellettieri, Paternostro, Martoccia, Graziadei, Romano, Trivigno 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 Laurenzana), 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 Laurenzana and Basilicata. During the previous activities, our local genealogists 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
• 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.
Italian family history research: Beyond Names and Dates
Italian genealogy is deeply local. It can’t be reduced only about collecting birth and death dates.
In Basilicata, every municipality — including Laurenzana — 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 Laurenzana and in the Province of Potenza will be of help 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 Laurenzana community.
Civil Records (Stato Civile) in Laurenzana
In towns and villages of Basilicata and in Potenza province, civil registration offices were established in 1809. This means you can often find your ancestors’ civil records in the Town Hall archives of Laurenzana from that year onwards.
(If your goal is to obtain Italian citizenship and you need official certificates from Laurenzana, please follow this link.)
If your ancestors lived in Laurenzana during the past centuries, the City Office of Laurenzana 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 Laurenzana.
- 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 Basilicata and specifically in Laurenzana.
Population trends in Laurenzana
The chart below shows the demographic trends in Laurenzana 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 Laurenzana
Church archives in Potenza 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 Basilicata, 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 Laurenzana 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 Laurenzana:
ASSUNZIONE DI MARIA VERGINE – Via Pontenuovo
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.
Historical and photographic sources available in private archives
Historical photographs, prints, and documents from private collections—including ItalianSide’s archive of vintage images from Laurenzana and Basilicata 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.
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 Laurenzana
Historical cadastral and land records used to identify property ownership, track real estate transfers over time, and confirm the historical presence of families within Laurenzana. ItalianSide provides professional assistance in accessing and interpreting these records, where available.
Planning a visit to Laurenzana
From our experience, if you plan to visit Laurenzana 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.
With the results collected by our genealogist before your trip, you will have more time to enjoy the town and its surroundings, walking in the footsteps of your ancestors.
Ready to explore Laurenzana? Discover our travel proposals to Basilicata and Laurenzana — or to other destinations across Italy. Our itineraries are developed with our trusted tour operator partners and supported by the expertise of our local specialists, who design personalized heritage journeys in the footsteps of your ancestors.
Professional help for research in Laurenzana
If you need professional support from our local genealogist in the Laurenzana area, write to laurenzana@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 Laurenzana
Here below you can read messages from other visitors in the Laurenzana forum. If you simply want to discuss genealogy in Laurenzana with other people, feel free to leave a message.
My grandparents came from Laurenzana and went to The United States 1898. threw a port in Naples. My grandfather was Francesco J Petrocelli born January 16 1856. My grand, mother was Marie Popalaro-Petrocelli born January 1858. I hope to find out about other family still there, they had a son Matteo Petrocelli born 1884 in Laurenzana. Can you please send me any information about my grandparents their parents family. Marriage certificate maybe?
I am looking for information on the Comodo surname.
I am searching for my grandfathers birth certificate. Egidio Pellettieri He was born October 23, 1892 in Laurenzana Potenza Basilicata Italy. Migrated to New York around 1900.
I am looking for my grandfather’s birth certificate. He was born June 18, 1888 in Laurenzana, name Francesco Urgo. Father was Rocco Vincenzo Urga, mother Anna Teresa Nigro. Any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated. Grandfather immigrated to US around 1912.
There is a Francesco Urga age 17 from Laurenzana listed on the ship Italia, 20 May 1905, destination New York: Uncle Francesco Monaco, 66 Tompson St., NY. Birth year would be 1888.
“New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957”
I am looking for information on my paternal great grandparents. My great grandfather’s name is Rocco Casella. He immigrated to the US and on his naturalization papers, it states that he was born in November 1881 in Laurenzana. I’m looking to learn more about him and his family. I also believe that his father’s name was Domenico Casella. I also believe his mother’s name was Victoria Cirigliano. I would appreciate any assistance you might be able to provide. Thanks, Al
I am looking for information on my grandfather’s family. His name is Pasquale Ernesto Romano, born February 24, 1867. Father’s name Giuseppe, born approx 1868. Mother’s name Carmela DiPersia. Thank you!
Hello – My ancestors are from this region. Romano family – in Chicago. from what I can tell in the family records from this region of Italy, there is a Giuseppe Di Persia from 3.3.1775 to 3.5.1802 Married to Maria Martoccia
My father’s last name was Coluzzi. His mother’s last name was Fanelli. I believe a cousin was a Cirigliano. My brother visited Laurenzana because Coluzzi and Fanelli grandparents came to New York from there. Any information is appreciated. Thank you.
My Grandfather’s name was Rocco Coluzzi. My Grandmother’s name was Antoinette Fanelli. I believe they were born in Laurenzana. Do you have any record of them? Thank you very much.
Hi, I am looking for any information regarding my great grandfather. His name is Ernanio Cupido who was born in Lauranzana, Potenza on March 10 1887 and emigrated to America in 1903. He was the foster son of Rocco and Guiseppina Abbate.
Hello Frank, Do you have a Carmela Abbate (maiden name) on your family tree? She is my grandmother, she was from Laurenzana , born in 1894.
Her parents were Salvatore Abbate and Rosa Anglela Abbate (maiden name Gioscia)
If he admitted to being fostered, my GUESS is he was a foundling. Have you looked in Antenati for his Laurenzana birth record? My foundling was from Marsicovetere, somewhat next door. Was Rocco Abbate by any chance a traveling musician?
I often don’t see replies on here.
Valerie OC
I am trying to find information on Pio Destefano, married to Anna Marchetta. their so Rocco listed Laurenzanna as his place of birth
I am looking for information about the family of Vito Pellettieri. Last known address is Via Monte, last date of correspondence was during the mid 1970s. I am sure he has passed, but am looking for ancestors. Vito was my grandfather George’s brother. George was born October 23 I believe in the year 1889 in Laurenzana.
Hello Marlene,
My husbands great great grandfather is Vito Luca Pellettieri born 1928 in Laurenzana. We are going to Italy next summer and plan to visit. My husband is out of town right now but I believe Luca had several brothers and they were very musical. Vito passed away in Nashville, TN in 1901 I believe.
Hello Sue & Marlene, My great great aunt Rose Beretta was married to Leonard Pelletiori (George and presumably Vito’s father). She wasn’t their birth mother but raised them as the second wife. I would be interested in any information you discover. I am also planning on visiting southern Italy in the summer of 2019.
I just came across this name as a witness to a marriage that took place in Utica, ny
Hello,
I am looking for information on my great great great grandparents and children.
Michael Perito who was married to Nunciata Perroni married in the mid 1800’s
Lucia Laurenzo who was married to Nicholas Perito married in the late 1800’s
John Laurenzo who was married to Phenomena Romanzo also married in the mid 1800’s
Any help would be a great help. I am interested in children and birth days.
Thank you Lynn
Am looking for records about the Bonelli family in first half of the 19th century.
Also, want to know if there are any residents of Laurenzana named Bonelli.
My Great grandfather, Nicholas Lobraico, son of Angelo Lobraico and Mary Fanelli, were from Laurenzana. Nicholas emigrated to Canada in 1880. Nicholas’s wife was Margherita Marone, daughter of Sebastian Marone and Maria Guiseppa Glionna. I am trying to get any records of his birth or baptism, or hers, so I can apply for my Italian citizenship as I am panning on moving back to Italy.
If there is ant help you could give me, I would greatly appreciate it.
I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER. I BELIEVE HE WAS BORN IN LAURENZANA MARCH 8 1881 DONATO ANTONIO CARMELO LAURIA.
Hello, I will be visiting italy next month. September. I was interested in visiting Laurenzana as I know my great grandmother is from there. Her maiden name was Pisani. I was told that I still have family there. I was told they are in the construction business as well as farming and banking. Is there any way to find out more before my trip so that I may visit? Thank you for any help you may offer. Ciao! 🙂