Radici Guides

Guide to Genealogical Research in Piedmont: Archives, Territorial Variations, Province/Region Changes, and Official Gazette

Genealogical research in Piedmont requires a deep understanding of its historical-administrative stratifications. The birthplace of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Italian Unification, the region today comprises seven provinces (Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Vercelli) and the Metropolitan City of Turin. Over the centuries, the Piedmontese territory has witnessed profound changes in municipal, provincial, and even regional borders: from the detachment of historic areas transferred to Lombardy (such as Lomellina and Oltrepò Pavese ceded to Pavia in 1859 with the so-called "Rattazzi Law"), to the creation of new provinces in the 20th century (Asti in 1935, Biella and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in 1992), up to international sovereignty transfers after World War II with the cession to France of municipalities in Upper Val di Susa and the Maritime Alps (Briga and Tenda under the 1947 Treaty of Paris).

THE PROVINCES OF PIEDMONT AND THEIR VARIATIONS

1. Province of Alessandria

Located in the southeastern corner of Piedmont, the Province of Alessandria has a complex border history. Historically linked to Monferrato and Oltrepò, until the Rattazzi reform of 1859 it included territories later assigned to Lombardy and Liguria (such as part of the Voghera area). The **State Archives of Alessandria** (with its branch section in Casale Monferrato) preserves the entire heritage of Napoleonic, Savoyard, and Italian civil status.

Municipalities of the Province of Alessandria (187):

Acqui Terme, Albera Ligure, Alessandria, Alfiano Natta, Alice Bel Colle, Alluvioni Piovera, Altavilla Monferrato, Alzano Scrivia, Arquata Scrivia, Avolasca, Balzola, Basaluzzo, Bassignana, Belforte Monferrato, Bergamasco, Berzano di Tortona, Bistagno, Borghetto di Borbera, Borgoratto Alessandrino, Borgo San Martino, Bosco Marengo, Bosio, Bozzole, Brignano-Frascata, Cabella Ligure, Camagna Monferrato, Camino, Cantalupo Ligure, Capriata d'Orba, Carbonara Scrivia, Carentino, Carezzano, Carpeneto, Carrega Ligure, Carrosio, Cartosio, Casal Cermelli, Casale Monferrato, Casaleggio Boiro, Casalnoceto, Casasco, Cassano Spinola, Cassine, Cassinelle, Castellania Coppi, Castellar Guidobono, Castellazzo Bormida, Castelletto d'Erro, Castelletto d'Orba, Castelletto Merli, Castelletto Monferrato, Castelnuovo Bormida, Castelnuovo Scrivia, Castelspina, Cavatore, Cella Monte, Cereseto, Cerreto Grue, Cerrina Monferrato, Coniolo, Conzano, Costa Vescovato, Cremolino, Denice, Dernice, Fabbrica Curone, Felizzano, Fraconalto, Francavilla Bisio, Frascaro, Frassinello Monferrato, Frassineto Po, Fresonara, Frugarolo, Fubine Monferrato, Gabiano, Gamalero, Garbagna, Gavi, Giarle, Gremiasco, Grognardo, Grondona, Guazzora, Isola Sant'Antonio, Lerma, Lu e Cuccaro Monferrato, Malvicino, Masio, Melazzo, Merana, Mirabello Monferrato, Molare, Molino dei Torti, Mombello Monferrato, Momperone, Moncestino, Mongiardino Ligure, Monleale, Montacuto, Montaldeo, Montaldo Bormida, Montecastello, Montechiaro d'Acqui, Montegioco, Montemarzino, Morano sul Po, Morbello, Mornese, Morsasco, Murisengo, Novi Ligure, Occimiano, Odalengo Grande, Odalengo Piccolo, Olivola, Orsara Bormida, Ottiglio, Ovada, Oviglio, Ozzano Monferrato, Paderna, Pareto, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, Pecetto di Valenza, Pietra Marazzi, Pomaro Monferrato, Pontecurone, Pontestura, Ponti, Ponzano Monferrato, Ponzone, Pozzol Groppo, Pozzolo Formigaro, Prasco, Predosa, Quargnento, Quattordio, Ricaldone, Rivalta Bormida, Rivarone, Rocca Grimalda, Roccaforte Ligure, Rocchetta Ligure, Rosignano Monferrato, Sala Monferrato, Sale, San Cristoforo, San Giorgio Monferrato, San Salvatore Monferrato, San Sebastiano Curone, Sant'Agata Fossili, Sardigliano, Sarezzano, Serralunga di Crea, Serravalle Scrivia, Sezzadio, Silvano d'Orba, Solero, Solonghello, Spigno Monferrato, Spineto Scrivia, Stazzano, Strevi, Tagliolo Monferrato, Tassarolo, Terruggia, Terzo, Ticineto, Tortona, Treville, Trisobbio, Valenza, Valmacca, Vignale Monferrato, Vignole Borbera, Viguzzolo, Villadeati, Villalvernia, Villamiroglio, Villanova Monferrato, Villaromagnano, Visone, Volpedo, Volpeglino, Voltaggio.

Former Municipalities, Mergers, Name Changes, and Regulatory References:

• Alluvioni Piovera (Merger 2018): Established on January 1, 2018, through the merger of the municipalities of Alluvioni Cambiò and Piovera (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 22 of December 6, 2017; O.G. no. 16 of 01/20/2018). Pre-2018 records are located in their respective original offices.
• Lu e Cuccaro Monferrato (Merger 2019): Established on February 1, 2019, through the merger of the municipalities of Lu and Cuccaro Monferrato (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 2 of January 26, 2019; O.G. no. 68 of 03/21/2019).
• Castellania Coppi (Name Addition 2019): The municipality of Castellania modified its name to Castellania Coppi in honor of cycling legend Fausto Coppi by Regional Law of Piedmont no. 13 of March 25, 2019 (O.G. no. 200 of 08/27/2019).
• Cassano Spinola (Annexation of Gavazzana 2018): The municipality of Gavazzana was abolished and annexed to Cassano Spinola by Regional Law of Piedmont no. 23 of December 7, 2017.
• Historical Region/Province Transfer (1859): With the Rattazzi Law (Royal Decree no. 3702 of October 23, 1859), the district of Bobbio and Oltrepò was detached, facilitating the creation of the new Province of Pavia in Lombardy.

2. Province of Asti

A hilly territory in the heart of Monferrato, the Province of Asti was established in the 20th century by separating from the province of Alessandria. The **State Archives of Asti** (established in 1938) preserves post-1815 civil status records for the Asti area, while documents prior to the 19th century are largely preserved in Alessandria and Turin.

Municipalities of the Province of Asti (118):

Agliano Terme, Albugnano, Antignano, Aramengo, Asti, Azzano d'Asti, Baldichieri d'Asti, Belveglio, Berzano di San Pietro, Bruno, Bubbio, Buttigliera d'Asti, Calamandrana, Calliano Monferrato, Calosso, Camerano Casasco, Canelli, Cantarana, Capriglio, Casorzo Monferrato, Cassinasco, Castagnole delle Lanze, Castagnole Monferrato, Castel Boglione, Castell'Alfero, Castellero, Castelletto Molina, Castelnuovo Belbo, Castelnuovo Calcea, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Castel Rocchero, Cellarengo, Celle Enomondo, Cerreto d'Asti, Cerro Tanaro, Cessole, Chiusano d'Asti, Cinaglio, Cisterna d'Asti, Coazzolo, Cocconato, Corsione, Cortandone, Cortanze, Cortazzone, Cortiglione, Cossombrato, Costigliole d'Asti, Cunico, Dusino San Michele, Ferrere, Fontanile, Frinco, Grana Monferrato, Grazzano Badoglio, Incisa Scapaccino, Isola d'Asti, Loazzolo, Maranzana, Maretto, Moasca, Mombaldone, Mombaruzzo, Mombercelli, Monale, Monastero Bormida, Moncalvo, Moncucco Torinese, Mongardino, Montabone, Montafia, Montaldo Scarampi, Montechiaro d'Asti, Montegrosso d'Asti, Montemagno Monferrato, Montiglio Monferrato, Moransengo-Tonengo, Nizza Monferrato, Olmo Gentile, Passerano Marmorito, Penango, Piea, Pino d'Asti, Piovà Massaia, Portacomaro, Quaranti, Refrancore, Revigliasco d'Asti, Roatto, Robella, Rocca d'Arazzo, Roccaverano, Rocchetta Palafea, Rocchetta Tanaro, San Damiano d'Asti, San Giorgio Scarampi, San Martino Alfieri, San Marzano Oliveto, San Paolo Solbrito, Scurzolengo, Serole, Sessame, Settime, Soglio, Tigliole, Tonco, Vaglio Serra, Valfenera, Vesime, Viale, Viarigi, Vigliano d'Asti, Villa San Secondo, Villafranca d'Asti, Villanova d'Asti, Vinchio.

Former Municipalities, Mergers, Name Changes, and Regulatory References:

• Establishment of the Province of Asti (1935): Established with **Royal Decree-Law no. 297 of April 1, 1935** (published in O.G. no. 85 of 04/10/1935), detaching 105 municipalities from the Province of Alessandria.
• Moransengo-Tonengo (Merger 2023): Created on January 1, 2023, through the merger of the municipalities of Moransengo and Tonengo (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 21 of December 12, 2022).
• Montiglio Monferrato (Merger 1998): Established on September 1, 1998, by the merger of the municipalities of Montiglio, Colcavagno, and Scandeluzza (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 23 of August 11, 1998).
• Incisa Scapaccino (Name Change): Historically known as Incisa Belbo, it was renamed Incisa Scapaccino in honor of Carabiniere Giovanni Battista Scapaccino by **Royal Decree no. 3103 of December 13, 1928**.
• Castelnuovo Don Bosco (Name Change 1942): Originally named Castelnuovo d'Asti, it adopted its current name in honor of Saint John Bosco by **Royal Decree no. 1726 of December 14, 1942**.

3. Province of Biella

Famous for its textile district and located at the foot of the Biellese Alps, the Province of Biella is recently established, having detached from the Province of Vercelli in 1992. The **State Archives of Biella** preserves the local documentary heritage, including conscription lists and records of the judicial and ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Biellese area.

Municipalities of the Province of Biella (74):

Ailoche, Andorno Micca, Benna, Biella, Bioglio, Borriana, Brusnengo, Callabiana, Camandona, Camburzano, Campiglia Cervo, Candelo, Caprile, Casapinta, Castelletto Cervo, Cavaglià, Cerrione, Coggiola, Cossato, Crevacuore, Curino, Donato, Dorzano, Gaglianico, Gifflenga, Graglia, Lessona, Magnano, Massazza, Masserano, Mezzana Mortigliengo, Miagliano, Mongrando, Mottalciata, Muzzano, Netro, Occhieppo Inferiore, Occhieppo Superiore, Pettinengo, Piatto, Piedicavallo, Pollone, Ponderano, Portula, Pralungo, Pray, Quaregna Cerreto, Ronco Biellese, Roppolo, Rosazza, Sagliano Micca, Sala Biellese, Salussola, Sandigliano, Sordevolo, Sostegno, Strona, Tavigliano, Ternengo, Tollegno, Torrazzo, Valdengo, Valdilana, Vallanzengo, Valle San Nicolao, Veglio, Verrone, Vigliano Biellese, Villa del Bosco, Villanova Biellese, Viverone, Zimone, Zubiena.

Former Municipalities, Mergers, Name Changes, and Regulatory References:

• Establishment of the Province of Biella (1992): Established with **Legislative Decree no. 248 of March 6, 1992** (published in O.G. no. 62 of 03/14/1992), by separation from the Province of Vercelli.
• Valdilana (Merger 2019): Established on January 1, 2019, through the merger of the municipalities of Mosso, Soprana, Trivero, and Valle Mosso (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 14 of November 27, 2018; O.G. no. 11 of 01/14/2019). Historical records prior to 2019 should be sought in the individual original centers.
• Campiglia Cervo (Merger 2016): Merger occurred on January 1, 2016, integrating the abolished municipalities of San Paolo Cervo and Quittengo into the municipality of Campiglia Cervo (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 27 of December 24, 2015).
• Quaregna Cerreto (Merger 2019): Established on January 1, 2019, by the merger of the municipalities of Quaregna and Cerreto Castello (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 13 of November 27, 2018).
• Lessona (Annexation of Crosa 2016): The municipality of Crosa was abolished and incorporated into Lessona by Regional Law of Piedmont no. 26 of December 24, 2015.

4. Province of Cuneo (The "Provincia Granda")

Nicknamed the "Provincia Granda" for its vast geographical size, Cuneo borders France and possesses an impressive number of municipalities (247). The **State Archives of Cuneo** (together with the branch sections of Alba, Saluzzo, and Mondovì) preserves a unique heritage of Napoleonic, Savoyard, and Italian civil status. The international borders of the province underwent dramatic changes in 1947 with the cession of territories to France.

Municipalities of the Province of Cuneo (247):

Acceglio, Aisone, Alba, Albaretto della Torre, Argentera, Arguello, Bagnasco, Bagnolo Piemonte, Baldissero d'Alba, Barbaresco, Barge, Barolo, Bastia Mondovì, Battifollo, Beinette, Bellino, Belvedere Langhe, Bene Vagienna, Benevello, Bergolo, Bernezzo, Bonvicino, Borgo San Dalmazzo, Borgomale, Bosia, Bossolasco, Boves, Bra, Briaglia, Briga Alta, Brondello, Brossasco, Busca, Camerana, Canale, Canosio, Caprauna, Caraglio, Caramagna Piemonte, Cardè, Carrù, Cartignano, Casalgrasso, Castagnito, Casteldelfino, Castelletto Stura, Castelletto Uzzone, Castellinaldo d'Alba, Castellino Tanaro, Castelmagno, Castelnuovo di Ceva, Castiglione Falletto, Castiglione Tinella, Castino, Cavallerleone, Cavallermaggiore, Celle di Macra, Centallo, Ceresole Alba, Cerretto Langhe, Cervasca, Cervere, Ceva, Cherasco, Chiusa di Pesio, Cigliè, Cissone, Clavesana, Corneliano d'Alba, Cortemilia, Cossano Belbo, Costigliole Saluzzo, Cravanzana, Crissolo, Cuneo, Demonte, Diano d'Alba, Dogliani, Dronero, Elva, Entracque, Envie, Farigliano, Faule, Feisoglio, Fossano, Frabosa Soprana, Frabosa Sottana, Frassino, Gaiola, Gambasca, Garessio, Genola, Gorzegno, Gottasecca, Govone, Grinzane Cavour, Guarene, Igliano, Isasca, La Morra, Lagnasco, Lequio Berria, Lequio Tanaro, Lesegno, Levice, Limone Piemonte, Lisio, Macra, Magliano Alfieri, Magliano Alpi, Mango, Manta, Marene, Margarita, Marmora, Marsaglia, Martiniana Po, Melle, Moiola, Mombarcaro, Mombasiglio, Monastero di Vasco, Monasterolo Casotto, Monasterolo di Savigliano, Monchiero, Mondovì, Monesiglio, Monforte d'Alba, Montaldo Roero, Montaldo di Mondovì, Montanera, Montelupo Albese, Montemale di Cuneo, Monterosso Grana, Monteu Roero, Montezemolo, Monticello d'Alba, Montà, Moretta, Morozzo, Murazzano, Murello, Narzole, Neive, Neviglie, Niella Belbo, Niella Tanaro, Novello, Nucetto, Oncino, Ormea, Ostana, Paesana, Pagno, Pamparato, Paroldo, Perletto, Perlo, Peveragno, Pezzolo Valle Uzzone, Pianfei, Piasco, Pietraporzio, Piobesi d'Alba, Piozzo, Pocapaglia, Polonghera, Prazzo, Priero, Priola, Prunetto, Racconigi, Revello, Rifreddo, Rittana, Roaschia, Roascio, Robilante, Roburent, Roccaforte Mondovì, Roccasparvera, Roccavione, Rocchetta Belbo, Roddi, Roddino, Rodello, Rossana, Ruffia, Sale delle Langhe, Sale San Giovanni, Saliceto, Salmour, Saluzzo, Sambuco, Sampeyre, San Benedetto Belbo, San Damiano Macra, San Michele Mondovì, Sanfront, Sanfre, Sant'Albano Stura, Santa Vittoria d'Alba, Santo Stefano Belbo, Santo Stefano Roero, Scarnafigi, Serralunga d'Alba, Serravalle Langhe, Sinio, Somano, Sommariva del Bosco, Sommariva Perno, Stroppo, Tarantasca, Torre Bormida, Torre San Giorgio, Torresina, Treiso, Trezzo Tinella, Trinità, Valdieri, Valgrana, Valloriate, Venasca, Verduno, Vernante, Verzuolo, Vezza d'Alba, Vicoforte, Vignolo, Villafalletto, Villanova Solaro, Villanova Mondovì, Villar San Costanzo, Vinadio, Viola, Vottignasco.

Former Municipalities, National/International Variations, and Decrees:

• Cession of Briga and Tenda to France (Treaty of Paris 1947): Following the Peace Treaty of February 10, 1947, the Piedmontese municipalities of Tenda and Briga Marittima were ceded to France (Department of Alpes-Maritimes). The hamlet that remained in Italy was established as the municipality of **Briga Alta**. Historical records from 1866 to 1947 are held at the State Archives of Cuneo.
• Busca (Annexation of Valmala 2019): The municipality of Valmala was abolished and annexed to the municipality of Busca by Regional Law of Piedmont no. 27 of December 21, 2018.
• Santo Stefano Belbo (Annexation of Camo 2019): The municipality of Camo was incorporated into Santo Stefano Belbo by Regional Law of Piedmont no. 26 of December 21, 2018.
• Grinzane Cavour (Name Addition): Originally named Grinzane, it added to its name in homage to Count Camillo Benso of Cavour by **Royal Decree no. 426 of March 13, 1916**.

5. Province of Novara

A crucial hub between Piedmont and Lombardy, the Province of Novara underwent significant historical separations. In 1859, it also included the territories of Biella, Vercelli, and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (the ancient Province of Cattedra), which progressively detached later on. The **State Archives of Novara** preserves the documentation of Napoleonic, Savoyard, and post-unification civil status.

Municipalities of the Province of Novara (87):

Agrate Conturbia, Ameno, Armeno, Arona, Barengo, Bellinzago Novarese, Biandrate, Boca, Bogogno, Bolzano Novarese, Borgo Ticino, Borgomanero, Briga Novarese, Briona, Caltignaga, Cameri, Carpignano Sesia, Casalbeltrame, Casaleggio Novara, Casalino, Casalvolone, Castellazzo Novarese, Castelletto sopra Ticino, Cavaglietto, Cavaglio d'Agogna, Cavallirio, Cerano, Colazza, Comignago, Cressa, Cureggio, Divignano, Dorfles, Fara Novarese, Fontaneto d'Agogna, Galliate, Garbagna Novarese, Gargallo, Gozzano, Granozzo con Monticello, Grignasco, Invorio, Landiona, Lesa, Maggiora, Mandello Vitta, Marano Ticino, Massino Visconti, Meina, Mezzomerico, Miasino, Momo, Nebbiuno, Nibbiola, Novara, Oleggio, Oleggio Castello, Orta San Giulio, Paruzzaro, Pella, Pettenasco, Pisano, Pogno, Pombia, Prato Sesia, Recetto, Romagnano Sesia, Romentino, San Maurizio d'Opaglio, San Nazzaro Sesia, San Pietro Mosezzo, Sillavengo, Sizzano, Soriso, Sozzago, Suno, Terdobbiate, Tornaco, Trecate, Vaprio d'Agogna, Varallo Pombia, Veruno, Vespolate, Vicolungo, Vinzaglio.

Former Municipalities, Mergers, Name Changes, and Region Transfers:

• Gattico-Veruno (Merger 2019): Established on January 1, 2019, through the merger of the municipalities of Gattico and Veruno (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 25 of December 21, 2018).
• Transfer of Lomellina to Lombardy (1859): Until the Rattazzi Law of 1859, the historical region of **Lomellina** (with main centers such as Vigevano, Mortara, and Voghera) was an integral part of the Province of Novara in the Kingdom of Sardinia. With Royal Decree no. 3702/1859, it was attached to the new Province of Pavia in Lombardy. Genealogical records of Lomellina prior to 1859 can be found at the State Archives of Novara.
• Separation of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (1992): In 1992, the province of Novara ceded 77 northern municipalities for the establishment of the new Province of VCO (Legislative Decree no. 248/1992).

6. Metropolitan City of Turin (formerly Province of Turin)

Capital of Piedmont and first capital of the Kingdom of Italy, Turin holds the largest archive in the region. The Metropolitan City groups 312 municipalities. The **State Archives of Turin** (Joint Sections Branch and Via Senato Branch) preserves an invaluable amount of Napoleonic civil status registers, Savoyard parish registers (from 1838), conscription lists, military service records, and royal patents.

Selected Municipalities of the Metropolitan City of Turin (312 Total):

Agliè, Avigliana, Bardonecchia, Beinasco, Bibiana, Bobbio Pellice, Borgaro Torinese, Carmagnola, Caselle Torinese, Chivasso, Collegno, Cirié, Ivrea, Moncalieri, Nichelino, Orbassano, Pinerolo, Piossasco, Rivoli, Settimo Torinese, Susa, Torino, Venaria Reale, Volpiano, and 288 other municipalities.

Territorial Variations, International Borders, and Decrees:

• Mappano (Establishment of New Municipality 2013/2017): Established as an autonomous municipality by detaching hamlets from the municipalities of Borgaro Torinese, Caselle Torinese, Settimo Torinese, and Turin (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 8 of July 20, 2012; operational since 2017).
• Val di Susa and Cessions to France (1947): With the 1947 Treaty of Paris, the municipality of Claviere lost part of its territory (Montgenèvre plateau), while the hamlet of **Chaberton** passed to France.
• Val di Chy and Valchiusa (Mergers in Canavese 2019):
  • Val di Chy: established in 2019 through the merger of the municipalities of Alice Superiore, Pecco, and Lugnacco (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 23 of 12/21/2018).
  • Valchiusa: established in 2019 through the merger of Meugliano, Trausella, and Vico Canavese (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 24 of 12/21/2018).

7. Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VCO)

Overlooking Lake Maggiore and bordering Switzerland, the province was established in 1992 with its capital **Verbania**. The **State Archives of Verbania** preserves the documentation relating to Ossola, Verbano, and Cusio, previously divided between the provinces of Novara and Vercelli.

Municipalities of the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (74):

Antrona Schieranco, Anzola d'Ossola, Arizzano, Arola, Aurano, Baceno, Bannio Anzino, Baveno, Bee, Belgirate, Beura-Cardezza, Bognanco, Borgomezzavalle, Cannobio, Cannero Riviera, Caprezzo, Casale Corte Cerro, Ceppo Morelli, Cesara, Cossogno, Craveggia, Crevoladossola, Crodo, Domodossola, Druogno, Formazza, Germagno, Ghiffa, Gignese, Gravellona Toce, Gurro, Intragna, Lorelia, Macugnaga, Madonna del Sasso, Malesco, Masera, Massiola, Mergozzo, Miazzina, Montecrestese, Montescheno, Nonio, Oggebbio, Omegna, Premeno, Premia, Premosello-Chiovenda, Quarna Sopra, Quarna Sotto, Re, San Bernardino Verbano, Santa Maria Maggiore, Seppiana, Stresa, Toceno, Trarego Viggiona, Trasquera, Truccazzano, Valstrona, Vanzone con San Carlo, Varzo, Verbania, Viganella, Vignone, Villadossola, Villette, Vogogna.

Former Municipalities, Mergers, and Regulatory References:

• Verbania (Creation by Merger 1939): Created on April 4, 1939, by the union of the municipalities of **Intra** and **Pallanza** with **Royal Decree no. 702 of April 4, 1939**. In pre-1939 archival research, records bear the separate entry of "Intra" or "Pallanza".
• Borgomezzavalle (Merger 2016): Established on January 1, 2016, through the merger of the municipalities of Seppiana and Viganella (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 28 of December 24, 2015).
• Establishment of VCO Province (1992): Created by **Legislative Decree no. 248 of March 6, 1992** through the separation of 77 municipalities from the Province of Novara.

8. Province of Vercelli

A historical center of rice fields and Valsesia, Vercelli was a vast province that in the past also included Biella and a large part of the Biellese area. The **State Archives of Vercelli** (with its branch section in Varallo for Valsesia) preserves Bourbon/Napoleonic, Savoyard, and Italian civil status registers.

Municipalities of the Province of Vercelli (82):

Alagna Valsesia, Albano Vercellese, Alice Castello, Arborio, Asigliano Vercellese, Balmuccia, Balocco, Bianzè, Boccioleto, Borgo Vercelli, Borgo d'Ale, Borgosesia, Breia, Buronzo, Campertogno, Carcoforo, Caresana, Caresanablot, Carisio, Casanova Elvo, Cellio con Breia, Cervatto, Cigliano, Civiasco, Collobiano, Costanzana, Craviogliana, Crescentino, Crova, Desana, Fobello, Formigliana, Gattinara, Ghislarengo, Greggio, Guardabosone, Lamporo, Lenta, Lignana, Livorno Ferraris, Lozzolo, Mollia, Moncrivello, Motta dei Conti, Olcenengo, Oldenico, Palazzolo Vercellese, Pertengo, Pezzana, Pila, Piode, Postua, Prarolo, Quarona, Quinto Vercellese, Rassa, Rima San Giuseppe, Rimasco, Rimella, Riva Valdobbia, Rive, Roasio, Ronsecco, Rossa, Rovasenda, San Giacomo Vercellese, San Germano Vercellese, Scopa, Scopello, Stroppiana, Tricerro, Trino, Tronzano Vercellese, Valduggia, Varallo, Vercelli, Villarboit, Villata, Vocca.

Former Municipalities, Mergers, Name Changes, and Regulatory References:

• Cellio con Breia (Merger 2018): Established on January 1, 2018, by the merger of the municipalities of Cellio and Breia (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 21 of December 6, 2017).
• Alagna Valsesia (Annexation of Riva Valdobbia 2019): The municipality of Riva Valdobbia was abolished and incorporated into Alagna Valsesia by Regional Law of Piedmont no. 22 of December 21, 2018.
• Alto Sermenza (Merger 2018): Established on January 1, 2018, by the merger of the municipalities of Rima San Giuseppe and Rimasco (Regional Law of Piedmont no. 20 of December 6, 2017).
• Livorno Ferraris (Name Change): Originally named Livorno Vercellese, it adopted its current name in memory of physicist Galileo Ferraris by **Royal Decree no. 2179 of December 22, 1924**.

Synoptic Table of Territorial Variations, Province/Region Changes, and Decrees in Piedmont