Abruzzo Jurisdictions

Province (Provincia)

The region of Abruzzo is divided into four provinces (similar to counties in the United States): L'Aquila, Teramo, Chieti, and Pescara.

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 one or more 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 the tribunale (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.

Province of L'Aquila Capital: L'Aquila -- Tribunali: L'Aquila, Avezzano, Sulmona -- Comuni e frazioni

Province of Teramo Capital: Teramo -- Tribunale: Teramo -- Comuni e frazioni

Province of Chieti Capital: Chieti -- Tribunali: Chieti, Lanciano, Vasto -- Comuni e frazioni

Province of Pescara Capital: Pescara -- Tribunale: Pescara -- Comuni e frazioni