Genealogy in Reggio Calabria
Tracing your Italian roots back to Reggio Calabria (in Reggio Calabria province, Calabria region) begins with understanding which records 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 Reggio Calabria.
Reggio Calabria family history at a glance
- Region: Calabria
- Province: Reggio Calabria
- Record types available: civil and parish registers
- Civil registration: began in 1809
- Parish records: often earlier than civil registration (sometimes as far back as the 1600s)
Research experience on families in Reggio Calabria
Over the years, ItalianSide has conducted genealogy research on historical families from Reggio Calabria, involving many surnames traditionally found in the town, including branches of the following families: Malara, Laganà, Barreca, Calabrò, Latella, Foti, Romeo, Morabito, Polimeni, Surace, Labate, Marino, Minniti, Tripodi and others.
Many records relating to families and individuals are already stored in our databases and include, in addition to names and dates, further information such as occupations, residential addresses, and key family and social relationships within the Reggio Calabria community in past centuries.
Part of the information used by ItalianSide in genealogy research derives from a proprietary archive of on-site research conducted over many years in Reggio Calabria and by our experts. This archive includes studies, family trees, and data not available online, such as cross-referenced family relationships, occupational histories, deciphered or translated documents, residential patterns, and visual documentation.
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
Direct access to archives and a deep understanding of the local context allow for more complete and accurate results than research conducted remotely or based on partial sources alone. Research may be carried out using all available sources in both public and private archives.
Genealogy in Reggio Calabria
If your ancestors came from Reggio Calabria, in Reggio Calabria province (Calabria region), the first step is to identify the local archives where records are kept. Most family history research starts from the civil registry office at the Comune and continues in parish and notary archives.
Where to begin your ancestry journey in Reggio Calabria
Vital records for people born, married or deceased in Reggio Calabria are usually preserved in:
- Reggio Calabria City Hall archives: civil records (births, marriages, deaths) available from 1809 onwards.
- Reggio Calabria parish churches: in Calabria, religious registers that can trace family lines back to the 1600s, and in some cases even earlier.
Civil Records (Stato Civile) in Reggio Calabria
In towns and villages of Calabria and in Reggio Calabria province, civil registration offices were established starting in 1809. This means you can often find your ancestors’ civil records in the Town Hall archives of Reggio Calabria from that year onwards.
(If your goal is to obtain Italian citizenship and you need official certificates from Reggio Calabria, please follow this link.)
If your ancestors lived in Reggio Calabria during the past centuries, the City Office of Reggio Calabria 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 Reggio Calabria.
- 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 Calabria and specifically in Reggio Calabria.
Population trends in Reggio Calabria
The chart below shows the demographic trends in Reggio Calabria 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 Reggio Calabria
Church archives in Reggio Calabria 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 Calabria, 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 Reggio Calabria on your behalf and reconstruct your family history through the centuries.
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 Reggio Calabria and Calabria 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 Reggio Calabria
Historical cadastral and land records used to identify property ownership, track real estate transfers over time, and confirm the historical presence of families within Reggio Calabria. ItalianSide provides professional assistance in accessing and interpreting these records, where available.
Planning a visit to Reggio Calabria
From our experience, if you plan to visit Reggio Calabria 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 Reggio Calabria? Discover our travel proposals to Calabria and Reggio Calabria — 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 Reggio Calabria
If you need professional support from our local genealogist in the Reggio Calabria area, write to reggiocalabria@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 Reggio Calabria
Here below you can read messages from other visitors in the Reggio Calabria forum. If you simply want to discuss genealogy in Reggio Calabria with other people, feel free to leave a message.
My Great Grandfather came to NY in 1903. His name was Antonino Putorti. He left his wife Anna Brescia and children Julia, Domenico and Maria in Gallina, Calabria. He brought them to NY in 1907. I have been trying to find information about his Parents and siblings. I have been researching for 14 years and have gotten no where. It would be wonderful if I could get any information. Thank You.
i am traveling to Reggio, Calabria from St. Louis, MO (USA) in a couple of weeks. My mother was born there in 1911. Her name was Giovanna Zerilli. She was the daughter of Cosmo Zerilli and Grazia Buffa Zerilli. They later lived in Marsala and Mazzara. In 1920 the family moved to the U.S. If there are any living family members in Calabria or anywhere in Sicily, I would like to know how I can locate them.
Thank you!
My great grandfather was born in Nyc in 1898. He said his birthday was august 15th The feast of the assumption. At one his mother took him back to callabria italy until he was 16 he immagrated back to us thru nyc and settled in Cleveland ohio. His name was joesph myer stated his italian surname was Muraro. I found that mrans mason. I don’t know if that was our family name and my father has tried to look into as well with no luck. Any help? I belive he was in the italian army before he immigrated and died in 1978. Thank you. He lived his whole adult life in maple hts ohio.
Hello. I will be visiting Reggio Calabria in 3 weeks and I am curious to know if my ancestors are from Reggio Calabria. My Grandfather was Rocco Riggio (1902-1967) and immigrated to the US (through Ellis Island) Oct 6, 1923 From the port of Palermo on the SS Providence. His Father, my Great Grandfather was Luigi Riggio (Reggio) and I believe he immigrated to the US in 1912, from the port of Palermo, and his last known place of residence was Bordonaro Sicily (I think. Not sure about that part) I am desperate to find any piece of my family history that I can, especially if it’s a town or place I can visit, as my Father, Louis Riggio (1939-2005) has passed and I always said I would go to his homeland for him. He was a first generation American with strong Italian roots and a love of Italy that he passed on to me. Any information you could find would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Looking for information on gr grandmother Paolina Marra. Born approx. 1870 to Patsy Romeo and Angela Surucia. Married Pasquale Antonio Marra. Children: Carmelita, Anna Rosa, Nicholas, Antonio. Immigrated from Reggio Calabria to United States, then Canada.Possibly at different times. thank you!
My Great-Grandfather came to the US approx 1870s, before there is much information in the US. Biggest problem is that no one living knows this Italian surname. In the US, he became Mike Livery. He married here and had a large family. Any suggestion for how I should proceeds. He is the only part of my Italian family that I have not found more information on.
Dear Italian Side Team,
i am looking for my Italian ancestry. My great grandfather is an Italian national who lived and died in Brazil, his name is Fedelis Gravi (Father: Vicente Gravi, Mother: Geraldina Gravi).
Please advise if you can assist us in locating his birth town and family in Italy.
Hi my late father Rocco Vincenzo Minici was born in Roccella Ionica in 1919. I am searching for surviving relatives still living in Italy or elsewhere. Can you please help? Regards.
Hi I would like any information on my grandparents
Maria Angela Vinci and Francesco Megna from
Laureana Di Borello Reggio Calabria. Thank you, looking forward to some information.
Hi there,
I am trying to find information on the Romeo/ Crucitti/ Crutrupi family from Reggio Calabria. I am looking for any family informaiton from the decendants of Sebasitano Romeo and his wife Margherita Cutrupi especially if anyone has any information?
thanks.
I am looking for lost relatives still residing in San Pietro en Guarano. My great grand father was Pietro Panza. He was born May 29, 1871, died October 20, 1925. He was married to Fortuna Ferraro who was born in May 1861 and died in October 1942. Both are buried in the Church cemetery in San Pietro en Guarano.
Hi,
I am trying desperately to find a copy of the certificate of marriage for my Nonni. I have no idea where to start, as I think they were married via proxy, when my Nonna was still in Reggio Calabria and my Nonno was in Australia.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking for any relatives of Fortunata Marzano or Michel Bruno Montegna in Reggio, Calabria. They are from Cirella and Plati. Thank you. Nancy
I am looking for information on Fortunata Marzano and Bruno Montegna. They are my great grandparents. They immigrated to the United States but have family in Reggio Calabria. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
HI,
I am looking to obtain birth information on my greatgrandmother born in Reggio Calabria. I am planning a trip there in feb/march and would love to know which offices to go to when I get there..
1898 Maria Cannizzaro 29 July 1898 Father: Dominick Cannizzaro, Mother Angelina Aiello… Thank you Dawn
HI,
I am looking to obtain birth information on my greatgrandmother born in Reggio Calabria. I am planning a trip there in feb/march and would love to know which offices to go to when I get there..
1898 Maria Cannizzaro 29 July 1898 Father: Dominick Cannizzaro, Mother Angelina Aiello… Thank you Dawn
My great grandfather Louis Bottino came over from Reggio Calabria in 1913. I’m looking for any information on family members who remained in Italy.
My grandfather, Joseph Romelli, was adopted in 1900 by Rocco Smeraldo
Fortunata Scarcella. We are trying to find records of his birth, baptism and possibly his family.
he is our mystery link!
My fourth great grandfather Paolo Foti was born circa 1805 in the city of Reggio Calabria. I wish to obtain his baptismal record and the marriage record of his parents, Luigi Foti and Orsala Cannao. What is the name and location of the Chiesa Madre in Reggio Calabria?
Hi. I would like to get the info on the Bono family. The Bono,s resided in Reggio Colabria, Taurianova. Anthony Bono born May 18, 1901. His parents names were Pietro Bono and his mothers name was Carmela Alessi. Anthony was the only son with five sisters. I have written to the Archives about Five months ago and I still have not heard from them. Thank you for trying to help us out. I look forward to hearing from you
I am interested in knowing more about my family who are from San Martino, Reggio calabria in Italy, My GGG Domenica Mammoliti, I am not sure who she married she had 2 husbands, and too, and I have I would like to know about her mother and father too ???
Trying to find relatives of my Grandfather, Savario Delfino, born 1881 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. He had brothers that we know of but don’t have their forenames.
looking for information on my grandfather and relatives Leonardo granito he served in the itallan army his parents were named domonick and Lucille he had 14 brothers and sisters we meet 1 from Canada when we were kids.and my sister and I would like to know more about him and his siblings
I am interested in finding relatives who may still reside in Calabria. The original spelling of my maiden name was Sciumbata, my maternal grandmother’s name was Talarico. they lived in Rizzuti. Also any information on my husband’s family, Fazio and Fioretti names, would be appreciated. Hope to travel to Italy someday and would LOVE to meet relatives! Thanks in advance for any assistance!
My grandfather (Giuseppe’s father was Francesco Guzzi. his mother’s name I believe was Anna Arcuri. My grandfather has a sister Amalia. and a brother Albino who immigrated to Argentina.
Looking for any info. Mthansk.
Hi! I’m brazilian and i am looking for information about the parent of my grandfather. We believe what his name was Paulo Losapio or Paulo Lossapio or Paulo Lozzapio. Maybe he was living in Reggio Calabria. He immigrated to Brazil around 1880 – 1933. We really apreciate your help.
Hi, I am looking for the parents of my grandfather Giovanni Mastella who was born in San Giovanni, Italy. Born on September 1, 1895. Also looking for siblings or any other family members.
I have Mastella family in San Giovanni di Ceppaloni. My great grandmother was Lucia. She had two brothers Clemente and Domenico I believe and a sister Celeste. Would this be the family you are looking for?
Looking for Annunziato Tripodi born and died in Serra San Bruno about 1830-50 married Roseria zaffino can I find?
looking for any info. with the surname Gallo also Maura
looking for any info on the surname Monarchio….
Hi. I am currently living in Canada and am looking for: Rocco Reale who immigrated to Canada, he was born approx. 1941 give or take a couple years. He is supposed to be from Reggio, Calabria. He immigrated to Toronto, Canada just before 1965, give or take a couple years. Any information would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Denise
looking for info for Vito Degazio who was born in 1885
I know my father was Vito Degazio but born in 1917 in Canada I believe but his parents were from Italy and I also believe, Regio Calabria.
I will ask my 2nd cousin about the info…her maiden name is Jo-Anne Degazio…who knows …we are probably related
Hi!!! when I ask about Degazio they say that there is no record…I know the my Gr-Granpa Vito went to South America before coming to Canada..where do u live…Lynn