ItalianGen.org

Promoting Italian family history and genealogy since 1993

Promoting Italian family history
and genealogy since 1993

IGG Members have access to additional content.

Become a member today and get access to every newsletter we’ve ever sent, exclusive research databases and much more. Learn how to become a member »

IGG Members have access to additional content

The Italian Genealogical Group (IGG) is a not for profit organization that was established in 1993 to provide support for those interested in researching their Italian ancestry.

P.O. Box 626
Bethpage, NY 11714-0626

As a non-profit organization, donations are greatly appreciated.

Donate Now

Map of Italy after the Second War of Independence, also known as the Austro-Sardinian War of 1859, and the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861

When Victor Emanuel was crowned king of the new nation, there were 59 provinces. New names were given to former provinces of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The former names are listed at the bottom. Areas such as Venetia (under Austrian control) and the much reduced Papal States were not part Italy at that time.

Map of Italy in 1871 at the time of the country’s first census

Following the Third War of Independence, the territories of Veneto, Friuli and Mantua were annexed, all previously part of the Austrian Empire. Nine more provinces were added: Belluno, Mantua, Padua, Rovigo, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Vicenza and Udine. Eventually, in 1870, following the union of Rome and its province from the Papal States, the provinces rose in number to 69.

Map of Italy in 1931 under Fascist rule

Map of Italy in 1931 under Fascist rule

After the conclusion of World War I in 1918, new territories were annexed to Italy. The province of Trento was created in 1920. The provinces of La Spezia, Trieste and Enna in 1923. In 1924 the new provinces of Fiume, Pola and Zara were established, increasing the total number of provinces in Italy to 76.

In 1927, following a royal charter, a general province rearrangement took place. Seventeen new provinces were created: Aosta, Vercelli, Varese, Savona, Bolzano, Gorizia, Pistoia, Pescara, Rieti, Terni, Viterbo, Frosinone, Brindisi, Matera, Ragusa, Enna, and Nuoro. The province of Caserta was suppressed, that is, eliminated.

Map of Italy after World War I

Map of Italy after World War I
Following its defeat, Italy lost provinces in Venezia Giulia to Yugoslavia. Provincial borders were changed for Gorizia and Trieste. Udine became part of what became Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The province of Caserta was re-established in 1945.