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Guide to Genealogical Research in Emilia-Romagna: Archives, Historical Borders, Mergers, and Territorial Changes

Emilia-Romagna represents one of the most fascinating yet complex regions of Italy for genealogical research and family history reconstruction. Its centuries-old pre-unification political fragmentation—divided among the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, the Papal States (Legations of Bologna, Ferrara, Ravenna, and Forlì), and territories integrated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany ("Romagna Toscana")—is reflected today in an extremely varied distribution of archival collections and Civil Status sources. Furthermore, in recent decades the region has been the scene of major administrative reorganizations, with municipality mergers, name changes, and historic transfers between provinces and regions sanctioned by regional and state laws published in the Official Gazette.

THE PROVINCES OF EMILIA-ROMAGNA AND THEIR CHANGES

1. Metropolitan City of Bologna

Until 1859 the capital of the Papal Legation of Bologna and former capital of the Department of Reno during the Napoleonic era, the Metropolitan City of Bologna preserves the Napoleonic Civil Status (1806–1814), Conscription Lists, Draft Records, and historical Land Registers (Boncompagni and Gregorian Land Registers) at the State Archives of Bologna (and its branch in Imola). For the years between 1815 and 1865, genealogical research relies mainly on parish registers preserved at the General Archdiocesan Archive of Bologna or in individual diocesan parishes.

Current Municipalities of the Metropolitan City of Bologna (55):

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, Zola Predosa.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Valsamoggia (Merger of 5 Municipalities): Established on January 1, 2014, through the merger of the dissolved municipalities of Bazzano, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, Monteveglio, and Savigno under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 1 of February 7, 2013 (published in the Official Gazette, 3rd Special Series, no. 42 of 10/19/2013). Archival and Civil Status records prior to 2014 are preserved and cataloged at the offices of the individual municipal seats of the former original municipalities.
• Alto Reno Terme (Merger of 2 Municipalities): Established on January 1, 2016, unifying the municipalities of Granaglione and Porretta Terme under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 19 of November 23, 2015 (published in the O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 12 of 03/19/2016). For ancestors born before 2016, records must be searched under the historical names of Granaglione or Porretta Terme.
• Sasso Marconi (Name Change): Historically named Sasso, it assumed its current name of Sasso Marconi in honor of the scientist Guglielmo Marconi by virtue of Royal Decree no. 1184 of June 20, 1938 (O.G. no. 182 of 08/11/1938).
• Grizzana Morandi (Name Change): Named Grizzana until 1985, it changed its name to Grizzana Morandi as a tribute to the painter Giorgio Morandi by D.P.R. [Decree of the President of the Republic] of November 12, 1985 (O.G. no. 13 of 01/17/1986).

2. Province of Ferrara

An ancient Estense Duchy devolved to the Papal States in 1598 (Legation of Ferrara) and Department of Basso Po during the Napoleonic era, the Province of Ferrara preserves the Napoleonic Civil Status collections (1806–1814), military conscription registers, and the Papal Land Register at the State Archives of Ferrara. In recent years, the province has undergone an intensive process of municipality mergers, requiring great care when identifying historical registers.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Ferrara (21):

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, Voghiera.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Fiscaglia (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2014, from the merger of the former municipalities of Massa Fiscaglia, Migliaro, and Migliarino pursuant to Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 8 of July 16, 2013 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 42 of 10/19/2013). Pre-2014 records can be consulted in separate municipal archives.
• Terre del Reno (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2017, unifying Mirabello and Sant'Agostino under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 22 of December 7, 2016 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 13 of 04/01/2017).
• Riva del Po (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2019, from the merger of Berra and Ro by virtue of Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 17 of December 5, 2018 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 16 of 04/20/2019).
• Tresignana (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2019, integrating the dissolved municipalities of Formignana and Tresigallo under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 18 of December 5, 2018 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 16 of 04/20/2019).
• Jolanda di Savoia (Name Change and Autonomy): Established in 1911 by separation from Copparo under the original name of Le Venere, renamed Jolanda di Savoia by Royal Decree no. 1024 of August 23, 1911.
• Goro (Municipal Autonomy): Established as an independent municipality in 1962 by separation from the Municipality of Mesola under Law no. 1583 of October 25, 1962 (O.G. no. 293 of 11/17/1962).

3. Province of Forlì-Cesena

Historically part of Papal Romagna (Legation of Forlì) and during the Napoleonic era of the Department of Rubicone, the province assumed its current name of Forlì-Cesena in 1992 following the separation of the Rimini territory (Legislative Decree no. 252 of March 6, 1992). Historical documentation is divided between the State Archives of Forlì and the State Archives Branch of Cesena.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Forlì-Cesena (30):

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, Verghereto.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Romagna Toscana (Historic Region Transfer: Tuscany -> Emilia-Romagna in 1923): Until 1923, as many as 12 municipalities in the Forlì Apennines (Bagno di Romagna, Dovadola, Galeata, Modigliana, Portico e San Benedetto, Predappio, Premilcuore, Rocca San Casciano, Santa Sofia, Tredozio, Verghereto) were part of the Province of Florence (Tuscany Region) within the District of Rocca San Casciano. With Royal Decree no. 544 of March 4, 1923 (O.G. no. 65 of 03/19/1923), these municipalities were separated from Tuscany and transferred to the Province of Forlì. Crucial archival note: Conscription lists and draft records prior to 1923 for residents of these municipalities are preserved at the State Archives of Florence!
• San Mauro Pascoli (Name Change): Named San Mauro di Romagna until 1932; name changed to San Mauro Pascoli by Royal Decree no. 1474 of October 27, 1932 (O.G. no. 270 of 11/23/1932) to honor the poet Giovanni Pascoli.
• Savignano sul Rubicone (Name Change): Named Savignano di Romagna until 1933; modified to Savignano sul Rubicone by Royal Decree no. 1158 of August 4, 1933.
• Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole (Name Change): Historically named Castrocaro, it integrated the wording Terra del Sole under D.P.R. no. 615 of May 20, 1962.

4. Province of Modena

Capital of the historic Duchy of Modena and Reggio under the House of Este and Department of Panaro during the Napoleonic Empire, the Province of Modena offers a unique resource for genealogists: in addition to the Napoleonic Civil Status (1806–1814), it preserves the registers of the Estense Civil Status (1852–1859), alongside the Italian Civil Status series from 1866 onwards at the State Archives of Modena.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Modena (47):

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, Zocca.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Castelfranco Emilia (Historic Province Transfer: Bologna -> Modena): Historically linked to the Legation of Bologna (Papal States), the municipality of Castelfranco Emilia was detached from the Province of Bologna and incorporated into the Province of Modena in 1929 pursuant to Royal Decree no. 106 of January 24, 1929 (O.G. no. 33 of 02/08/1929). For searching Papal records, conscription lists, and land registers prior to 1929, it is necessary to consult the State Archives of Bologna.
• Serramazzoni (Name and Capital Change): Named Monfestino in Serrazzone until 1948; with the transfer of the municipal seat to Serramazzoni, it assumed its current name by D.P.R. no. 809 of April 29, 1948 (O.G. no. 150 of 07/01/1948).
• Palagano (Municipal Autonomy): Established as an independent municipality in 1957 by separation from the Municipality of Montefiorino under Law no. 1198 of November 26, 1957 (O.G. no. 312 of 12/19/1957).
• Prignano sulla Secchia (Name Change): Originally named Prignano, it assumed its current name by Royal Decree no. 1532 of October 11, 1863.

5. Province of Parma

Capital of the famous Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla ruled by the Farnese, the Bourbons, and Duchess Marie Louise of Austria, and center of the Department of Taro under Napoleon, Parma boasts a continuous Civil Status tradition. The State Archives of Parma houses the Napoleonic Civil Status (1806–1814), the Parmense Ducal Civil Status (1816–1859), and the post-unification series.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Parma (44):

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, Varsi.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Sissa Trecasali (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2014, unifying the municipalities of Sissa and Trecasali under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 20 of November 7, 2013 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 50 of 12/21/2013).
• Polesine Zibello (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2016, from the merger of Polesine Parmense and Zibello pursuant to Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 20 of November 23, 2015 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 12 of 03/19/2016).
• Sorbolo Mezzani (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2019, through the merger of the municipalities of Sorbolo and Mezzani under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 18 of December 5, 2018 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 16 of 04/20/2019).
• Fidenza (Name Change): Until 1927, the city was historically known as Borgo San Donnino. The name was changed to Fidenza by Royal Decree no. 941 of June 9, 1927 (O.G. no. 138 of 06/16/1927).
• Bardi and Boccolo dei Tassi (Province Transfer): The municipality of Bardi was transferred from the Province of Piacenza to that of Parma in 1923 (Royal Decree no. 1726 of July 8, 1923). In 1927, the dissolved municipality of Boccolo dei Tassi was abolished and annexed partly to Bardi and partly to Compiano.

6. Province of Piacenza

Second capital of the Farnese and Bourbon Duchy and prefectural seat in the Napoleonic era, the Province of Piacenza preserves the Napoleonic Civil Status collections (1806–1814), Ducal Civil Status (1816–1859), and Italian Civil Status (1866–1945) at the State Archives of Piacenza, together with military conscription lists for the Apennine districts.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Piacenza (46):

Agazzano, Alseno, Alta Val Tidone, Besenzone, Bettola, Bobbio, Borgonovo Val Tidone, Cadeo, Calendasco, Caorso, Carpaneto Piacentino, Castel San Giovanni, Castell'Arquato, 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 Pietro in Cerro, Sarmato, Travo, Vernasca, Vigolzone, Villanova sull'Arda, Zerba, Ziano Piacentino.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Alta Val Tidone (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2018, by the merger of the municipalities of Caminata, Nibbiano, and Pecorara pursuant to Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 13 of July 18, 2017 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 43 of 10/28/2017). For searches prior to 2018, reference must be made to the offices of the former independent municipalities.
• Bobbio and Val Trebbia (Region/Province Transfer: Lombardy -> Emilia-Romagna in 1923): Until 1923, the entire District of Bobbio (including the municipalities of Bobbio, Cerignale, Coli, Corte Brugnatella, Ottone, and Zerba) belonged to the Province of Pavia (Lombardy Region). With Royal Decree no. 1726 of July 8, 1923 (O.G. no. 172 of 07/23/1923), the district was dismantled and annexed to the Province of Piacenza. Archival note: Conscription records and military draft rolls for individuals enrolled before 1923 are preserved at the State Archives of Pavia.
• Gropparello (Name Change): Named Caminata di Montechino until 1937, it assumed the name of Gropparello by Royal Decree no. 531 of March 18, 1937 (O.G. no. 102 of 05/03/1937).
• Ziano Piacentino (Name Change): Named Ziano until 1928, updated to Ziano Piacentino by Royal Decree no. 2530 of October 25, 1928.

7. Province of Ravenna

Historical capital of the Byzantine Exarchate and subsequently seat of the Papal Legation of Romagna, Ravenna was the capital of the Department of Rubicone in the Napoleonic era. Preserved at the State Archives of Ravenna (and its branch in Faenza) are the Napoleonic Civil Status registers (1806–1814), Conscription Lists from 1840 to 1945, and land-cartographic sources.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Ravenna (18):

Alfonsine, Bagnacavallo, Bagnara di Romagna, Brisighella, Casola Valsenia, Castel Bolognese, Cervia, Conselice, Cotignola, Faenza, Fusignano, Lugo, Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Riolo Terme, Russi, Sant'Agata sul Santerno, Solarolo.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Riolo Terme (Name Change): Named Riolo until 1915, then Riolo dei Bagni, it assumed the definitive name of Riolo Terme under D.P.R. no. 805 of July 23, 1957 (O.G. no. 231 of 09/18/1957).
• Administrative Continuity of Municipalities: The Province of Ravenna is distinguished by a high stability of municipal borders, having been unaffected by the municipal mergers of the last decade.

8. Province of Reggio Emilia

Home of the Tricolore flag and historic province of the Estense Duchy of Modena and Reggio, during the Napoleonic period it formed the Department of Crostolo. Preserved at the State Archives of Reggio Emilia are the series of the Napoleonic Civil Status (1806–1814), the Estense Civil Status (1852–1859), and the district's military conscription lists.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Reggio Emilia (42):

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 nell'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, Villa Minozzo.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, and Official Gazette References:

• Ventasso (Merger of 4 Apennine Municipalities): Established on January 1, 2016, by the merger of the dissolved municipalities of Busana, Collagna, Ligonchio, and Ramiseto pursuant to Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 8 of July 9, 2015 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 47 of 11/21/2015). Genealogical records prior to 2016 are recorded separately under their respective former municipalities.
• Canossa (Name Change): Until 1992, the name of the municipality was Ciano d'Enza. The name was changed to Canossa by D.P.R. of April 20, 1992 (O.G. no. 109 of 05/12/1992).
• San Polo d'Enza (Name Change): Originally named San Polo d'Enza sul Crostolo and subsequently simplified to San Polo d'Enza.
• Gattatico (Municipal Autonomy): Established as an independent municipality in 1860 by separation from Sant'Ilario d'Enza.

9. Province of Rimini

Established in 1992 through the separation of 16 municipalities from the Province of Forlì (Legislative Decree no. 252 of March 6, 1992), the Province of Rimini underwent a massive territorial expansion thanks to the transfer of municipalities historically in the Marche region from Alta Valmarecchia and Valconca. The State Archives of Rimini (established in 1999) and the Branch of the Diocese of Rimini preserve the Civil Status sources and local parish history.

Current Municipalities of the Province of Rimini (27):

Bellaria-Igea Marina, Casteldelci, Cattolica, Coriano, Gemmano, Maiolo, Misano Adriatico, Mondaino, Montecopiolo, 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, Sassofeltrio, Talamello, Verucchio.

Territorial Changes, Former Municipalities, Regional Transfers, and Official Gazette:

• Alta Valmarecchia (Historic Region and Province Transfer: Marche -> Emilia-Romagna in 2009): Under Law no. 117 of August 3, 2009 (published in the Official Gazette no. 188 of 08/14/2009), 7 municipalities of Alta Valmarecchia (Casteldelci, Maiolo, Novafeltria, Pennabilli, San Leo, Sant'Agata Feltria, and Talamello) detached from the Province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche Region) to join the Province of Rimini (Emilia-Romagna). Essential for genealogists: All military conscription records, draft rolls, and Bourbon/Papal Civil Status records prior to 2009 are preserved at the State Archives of Pesaro and Urbino!
• Montecopiolo and Sassofeltrio (Region and Province Transfer: Marche -> Emilia-Romagna in 2021): Following a popular referendum, under Law no. 84 of May 28, 2021 (published in the Official Gazette no. 142 of 06/16/2021, entering into force on June 17, 2021), the municipalities of Montecopiolo and Sassofeltrio detached from Marche (Province of Pesaro and Urbino) and were annexed to the Province of Rimini. Pre-2021 military and historical documents reside in the State Archives of Pesaro Urbino.
• Montescudo-Monte Colombo (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2016, unifying Montescudo and Monte Colombo under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 21 of November 23, 2015 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 12 of 03/19/2016).
• Poggio Torriana (Municipal Merger): Established on January 1, 2014, by the merger of Poggio Berni and Torriana under Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 19 of November 7, 2013 (O.G. 3rd Special Series no. 50 of 12/21/2013).
• Novafeltria (Name Change): Named Mercatino Marecchia until 1941, it changed its name to Novafeltria by Royal Decree no. 387 of April 12, 1941.
• Misano Adriatico (Name Change): Named Villa Marina until 1938, changed to Misano Adriatico by Royal Decree of March 31, 1938.
• Riccione and Bellaria-Igea Marina (Municipal Autonomies): Riccione separated from Rimini in 1922 (Royal Decree no. 1439 of October 19, 1922); Bellaria-Igea Marina was established as an independent municipality by separation from Rimini in 1956 (D.P.R. no. 610 of May 30, 1956).

Synoptic Table of Territorial Changes, Province/Region Changes, and Decrees in Emilia-Romagna