Melfi Genealogy
Tracing your Italian roots back to Melfi (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 Melfi.
Melfi 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 Melfi
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 Melfi, involving many surnames traditionally found in the town, including branches of the following families: Amoroso, Gala, Pontolillo, Basso, Calabrese, Prota, Nigro, Cappiello, Simonetti, Fontana, Sassone, Cignarale, Lamorte, Tartaglia 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 Melfi), 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 Melfi 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 Melfi — 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 Melfi 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 Melfi community.
Civil Records (Stato Civile) in Melfi
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 Melfi from that year onwards.
(If your goal is to obtain Italian citizenship and you need official certificates from Melfi, please follow this link.)
If your ancestors lived in Melfi during the past centuries, the City Office of Melfi 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 Melfi.
- 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 Melfi.
Population trends in Melfi
The chart below shows the demographic trends in Melfi 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 Melfi
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 Melfi 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 Melfi:
S. NICOLA VESCOVO – 85025 LEONESSA DI MELFI PZ
SANTI NICOLA E ANDREA – V.lo S. Nicola
S. MARIA ASSUNTA NELLA CATTEDRALE – P.zza Marconi
S. GIUSEPPE – 85025 FOGGIANO PZ
S. GIANNA MOLLA – Piazza Mazzini, 1
S. CUORE – R.ne Valleverde
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 Melfi 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 Melfi
Historical cadastral and land records used to identify property ownership, track real estate transfers over time, and confirm the historical presence of families within Melfi. ItalianSide provides professional assistance in accessing and interpreting these records, where available.
Planning a visit to Melfi
From our experience, if you plan to visit Melfi 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 Melfi? Discover our travel proposals to Basilicata and Melfi — 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 Melfi
If you need professional support from our local genealogist in the Melfi area, write to melfi@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 Melfi
Here below you can read messages from other visitors in the Melfi forum. If you simply want to discuss genealogy in Melfi with other people, feel free to leave a message.
Looking for information about my Grandfather Ernesto Cerone, born in Potenza/Melfi 1896. He listed a family name of Michaelangelo on his Ellis Island entry record but not sure if he was being ironic or if this was real. Planning a trip there in October 2025 and would like to connect with family if I can find them.
Hi. My great grandfather Francesco Lombardi was born in Melfi 13 Dec 1884 (he emigrated to the U.S. in 1907) to Angelo Lombardi and Carmela Soriano. I havent found any information about his parents and any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Vinny
I am researching family. Just about all relatives on my dads side have passed. My great grandfather was Angelo Settlers born 1844 Melfi Italy. Married Luis a Lamorta.
I’m looking for the birth records of my grandmother. She was born in Melfi in 1900. Her name was Marie D’Andrea.
Hello,
My grandmother’s last name was Mensucchia. She was born in Melfi, Basilicata in 1896. Her first name was Giacomina. I cannot seem to find that family name anywhere. Could you help me with my research. Maybe the name is now extinct.
Thank you
Gino Ricci
Gino,
I found Giacomina Minsucchio. Born 24 Mar 1895 to Raffaele Maria Minsucchio (age 42) and Maria Vincenza Cantatore (age not given). I’ve done a bit of Melfi genealogy, and this is the first time I’ve come across the surname ‘Minsucchio’.
Record of the marriage is Mar 1894
Raffaele Maria Minusschio, his parents are listed as ‘genitori ignoti’, unknown.
Maria Vincenza Cantatore, age 25 at the time of her marriage, is the daughter of Giuseppe and Luisa Fortuna.
I found one brother, Giuseppe, born 15 Oct 1897
Let me know if I could be of further assistance.
Ciao.
I know my great grandfather who was born in Melfi in 1899 but died in New Jersey in 1965 served in the Italian military but I can’t find ay records of it. I know he was shot in the nose. I believe he came here with his wife Tessie in December 1920. His name is Francesco Spadone. He changed his name to Frank in America. I would love to find his records in the italian army to be able to show my grandma and her two remaining sisters. Frank and Tessie had six girls total.
I am looking for my 3x Great Grandfather Nicolo Santangelo death record. He was born about 1784, and wife name is Lucia Rapone. Nicolo may have died in 1817. Are there any death records online for that year? I am looking for the date that he died and the name of his father &mother.
My dad born Alexander Sassone in Melfi came to the US along with his parents Vincenzo and Maria brothers Daniel and Joseph and sister Suzanne and Rose . Would love to know if we have some cousin in Melfi? Would appreciate any information.
My 4th great-grandfather is recorded as Giovanni Maria Vincenzo Fiordelise (Fiordelisi)
Born on 11 NOV 1823 • Foggia, Foggia, Puglia, Italy, but his death date is Unknown. HIs parents were Domenico and Prospero Fiordelisi of Barletta, Foggia, Puglia, Italy. He had a child named Vincent Fiordaliso in Melfi, Italy. Maybe we have family in common, it seems?!
Hello,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Melfi, in September, 2018. My grandfather, Anthony Simonetti passed away and was buried in Melfi. My grandmother, Grace Marciano Simonetti, came to the United States around 1917. She came with her children, Dante, Carmella, and Alexander Simonetti.
I wanted to visited my grandfathers grave, but I do not know where he was buried. Is there anyway to find the location? Thank You, Sandra Billone
For Luisa,
I located birth record of your father, Alfonso Brescia, born 05 October, 1901 to Antonio Brescia and Maria Giuseppa Perillo. Additionally, I found the 1895 marriage record of Antonio and Maria Giuseppa Perillo. Antonio was 24, Maria Giuseppa was 18 at the time of their marriage.
Antonio Brescia was the son of Alfonso Brescia and Rosa Motta. Antonio’s father, Alfonso, is listed as deceased at the time of the marriage.
Maria Giuseppa Perillo was the daughter of Agostino Perillo and Santa Trafficante. Agostino is listed as deceased at the time of the marriage.
My grandparents were Maria and Antonio Brescia from Melfi, Potenza Province. Their son my father, born in 1901 was Alfonso Brescia and their daughters were Santella and Ninette. I would guess the daughters (my aunts) were born between 1898 and 1910. Santella lived in Melfi and was still there during the 1960’s. My grandfather, Antonio, had several brothers. One was Miguel (Michael) who also had a son named Alfonso. Is their anyway for me to get more information on Maria and Antonio Brescia? When did they marry, who were there parents? Did Santella have any family in Melfi? On zi’Miguel’s side, his son, Alfonso married Lucietta and the only name I can find on old photos is Araneo sent from Melfi and somewhere in Potenza. Can u give us any information on the Brescia’s or the Araneo’s (Assunta (photo says Melfi, 1926 – her children were Gino, Michele and Emanuele. I have found a photo of Gino – Potenza, 1947. He was in the military, 1st Regiment-Naples. Emanuele’s children that we know of were Peppino 12yrs old in 1967 and Michele 6 years old. They would be about 62 and 56 years old. Anything you can tell us would be very much appreciated.
My grandfather was named Antonio Brescia and his parents were named Ralph Louie Brescia and Maria Raffaela Sassone both born in Melfi in 1881/1888 respectively and came to the U.S. in 1909. We know from the immigration records that Ralph Louie Brescia’s father was Antonio Brescia from Melfi – could be a connection?
Hi Billy,
My name is Al
My great grandfather was Michele archangel Brescia. His brother was Ralph louie Brescia. His wife,
Maria r sassone. Michele father, Antonio and mother, Louisa tacuillo. Ralph, lived with his brother Michele in Rochester ny.
i am looking for birth records on Antonio vittorio Arena born 5th March 1903 in Melfi Italy. Looking for parents and possible siblings . thank you Rita
I am trying to find information about my great grandfather. I have been told that he was born in the Potenza Province near the town of Melfi on October 15, 1876 to a single mother. He was taken in and raised by the Lamorte family. In about 1899 he emigrated to NewYork and traveled with Mary Lamorte. His name was Mauro and he took the last name Lamorte. Eventually while living in New York he changed his last name to Troetti.
Any information you could provide to help my locate distant relatives in that area would be greatly appreciated.
Jo-Ann, did you ever find him? This is my great grandfather too!
My grandfather, Carlo Colabella, was born in Melfi 10 October, 1875. I know his father’s name was Salvatore, Mother was Filomena Saraceno. His grandfather was Carlo. Could you send me any information on my great grandparents, Salvatore and Filomena? Thank you.
Gerard, Salvatore and Filomena Saraceno are the names of my great great grandparents. Did Carlo have a brother Benedetto? He was born in Melfi 1887
Hello Kristina! Yes! Benedetto came to Utah. He had another brother in San Diego, named Nicola. He had a brother that remained in Italy, Enrico. I would love to meet you and compare notes!
My grandfather Thomas and his brothers Vincenzo and James came to NY Ellis Island about 1908. I am trying to find out their parents names
My grandfather was born in Melfi to a man with the last name of Jolliere and a woman that we don’t know her name. My grandfather was then raised by his adopted parents the LiButti s. Is there a way to find out who is real mother & father were?thanks
Michelle
trying to locate
Maria Rosa Scioscia (maiden name)my cousin
in Melfi
approx. 65 yrs. old
her mother Fanni was a teacher.
Rosemary
Toronto
Have you had success finding records of Donato Moscaritolo?
I’m trying to locate records on my grandfather, Donato Moscaritolo, I was told he was from Melfi, Italy. He was born August 7, 1894,1895.He came to the USA in 1920 on the boat Canada. We do not know the names of both parents.On the passenger list of the ship it gives Antonio as his fathers name, we assume our great grandmothers name may have been Carmela. If you can help it would be most appreciated. Thankyou, Rosalie
have you had any luck locating Donato ? I have done quite a bit of research in Melfi records, perhaps I could help
Rose, Donato was born on 7 Aug 1894. His parents are Antonio b-15 Jan 1864 & Maria Carmela Pocchiari b-10 Mar 1872. They married on 26 Apr 1891. Antonio parents are Giuseppe b-19 Mar 1836 & Caterina Sassone b-abt.1844. Giuseppe parents are Alessandro b-abt. 1786 & Teresa Messucca b- abt 1788. I hope this info was helpful.
Is there any records of my Grandfather or his family before coming to the USA in 2005?
Hi. I am doing research on my 97 year old neighbor’s family tree. Her father was born in 1891 in Potenza. His name is Luigi Giovanni Melfi. He came to the USA as a young boy. It is believed his mother remarried and Luigi may have taken the name of his stepfather, DeGiglio? There seems to be some confusion about that. I am having a hard time finding records so if you have any info where I can search further I’d be very grateful. Thanks so much.
Cheryl
Antonio DiRoma