Calabria Jurisdictions

Province (Provincia)
The provinces of Crotone and Vibo Valentia were created out of Catanzaro Province. They were created by national law on 6 March 1992 and officially became provinces on 1 January 1996. When searching for records in Crotone and Vibo Valentia, Catanzaro Province should be considered also.

The State Archive (Ufficio dello Stato Civile) of each province is located in the provincial capital. Municipalities provided the state archives with copies of their original civil registration during the years 1809-1865.

Tribunal (Tribunale)
From 1866 to the present time, copies of civil registration are sent to the Tribunale (much like a county court in the United States) from the towns that lie within its jurisdiction. Each province has several tribunali.

Town/Municipality (Comune)
A town (comune) recorded and still records the births, marriages, and deaths of everyone within its jurisdiction. This may include outlying smaller villages and farms. The original is kept in the comune while copies were sent to the state archives (1809-1866) and to thetribunale (1866-present).

Hamlet/Ward/Village (Frazione)
A hamlet is referred to as a frazione. A comune may have several frazioni within its boundaries. Usually the civil records for a frazione are kept in the larger comune. Other terms used are villagio and contrada.