Palazzo Adriano

I visited Palazzo Adriano in May of 2007. It was the home of my grandfather. I found it to be a wonderful place. I spend two weeks touring Italy before I went to Palazzo Adriano and found that the rest of Italy was one big overpriced tourist trap (although there were mny places worth seeing). Palazzo Adriano was an unadulterated paradise, it was the high point of my trip to Italy. The people were warm, friendly and very helpful to the visitor who did not speak Italian (they did not speak english but we managed to communicate). The Hotel Del Viale was as good as any hotel I'd been in (at a fraction of the cost). There are at least two restaurants in town and a cafe. The food is excellent, local and resonably priced. The town is rich in histroy and culture and the locals are happy to share it with you. They have frequent religious feasts with big liturgies and processions through the town that are like walking back in history, or being in an early 20th century italian movie. I have no hesitation reccommending a visit to Palazzo Adriano for those who want to see small village Italy. It is a little remote but that's whay it is so good.

thanks for comments. Strange as it is, of all the places to visit, I just long to return to Sicily and some of these out of the way places. i prefer the out of the way places too. caio!

My grandfather and grandmother were born in palazzo adriano. I wonder if there is still an Alessi family in town ? Thanks for your comments.

Yes, the Alessi's are still there. In fact the former mayor of the town is an Alessi. The Alessi's are one of the old families in the village and the family is prominent in the history of the village. There is an Alessi home which has been in the family for several generations which is still there and occupied by Alessi's.

My grandfather Paolo Milazzo was born in Palazzo Adriano. I'm the family genealogist and would like to find out if there is any of my family still there in Sicily and how to research the family records. Would the church be the place to do this or the Town Hall records?

my guess is the town hall would be the place. I am hoping to return soon. I will find out for sure. Last time, the office was closed, we waited and waited, but I guess "Il Riposino Pomeridiano" never ended!

Please do not judge people by the way you think they look, and you don't even know what they thought of you, just by looking at how fast you went through this beautiful place without spending enough time to meet any of the Alessi's, like the former mayor. Palazzo Adriano is a very unique place in a region where nature is pristine, it is a "riserva naturale", you can also find there a great bed and breakfast 'a casa vecchia". People there are very proud of their unique albanese/sicilian heritage, but today's economic situation in rural Sicily still forces many people to leave this beautiful place. I suggest you go back there and spend more time and meet people.

what you say is true, about PA being a very unique place. that is why I am returning on my next trip to europe. Of all the places to visit, it is my priority. however, it is true that some of the guys hanging around in the local square looked more than just a little bit off. I am not being critical, I am just telling it as I saw it. sorry if I offended you!

My grandfather Philipo Masaracchia left PA in the early 1900's. I regret not knowing more of my heritage and as a youngster never thought to inquire and ask questions to my "Nonu". At some point I will go back to Sicily and spend some quality time in Palazzo Adriano. I'll probably hire a ancestry reseacher or at the very least an Italian translator. Please comment back here again should you visit Palazzo Adriano again.

Just wondering if you might be related to any Alessi's in Independence, Louisiana??? My Grandpa, a Grana, talks about the Alessi "paisani" down in Louisiana. He says they are cousins of his fathers family, the Grana's (now of St. Louis) but isn't sure how. Both of his parents immigrated from Palazzo Adriano, and I have these Grana's traced back to 1817, with the help of other cousins there (also related to some Masaracchia's) so I might be able to help you find more info. Everyone I have met there has always been exceptionally welcoming. It's really a beautiful and uniquely unspoiled place. Hopefully it stays that way . . . even as younger generations are moving away and tourists are discovering it.

Yes, my great grandmother was Giovanna Grana! They lived in Independence. We be paisani!!!

Hello!My name is Sara and I live in Italy. My mother and my boyfriend come from Palazzo Adriano and I go there 3 or 4 times at year (sorry fot my English). I am very surprised of reading your message in the Web. I didn't know that "paisani" in the world wrote about Palazzo Adriano. It's incredible!Very good!If you want informations about Palazzo I'm here!Where are you from?Do you Know somebody in Palazzo? Bye. Sara

I feel like Alice in Wonderland! I, too, have grandparents from Palazzo Adriano. I just stumbled across your blog JR and wonder if anyone is planning on going to Sicily. I, too, think that traveling alone in this situation is probably best but would love to have fellow researchers while I'm there. Thanks, Joan

This is a small village in Sicily? It is wonderful that so many are finding your blog and are finding this common geography from their ancenstry. I have great-grandparents who immigrated to the US from Palazzo Adriano. Surnames are Cottonaro and Cali. I have family info that leads me back to this village, but little before that. I would love to visit someday. Thanks for all the info. Karen

Just for info this is the town they used for the external shots of the town in the movie Cinema Paradiso.

My grandparents Vincenzo and Josephine Schiro also came to America from PA in the early 1900s. About 10 years ago I was fortunate enough to visit there and saw the house they lived in which is situated at the foot of the steps of the Greek Orthodox (I think) church building. The Schiro name is mentioned several times on the monument at the fountain. Beautiful place. Any one know much of the Schiro family in Palazzo Adriano?

My GrandMother is from Palazzo Adriano, from the Spallino's Family.

We went in December of 06 to visit my cousins. We stayed at Del Viale and they have a restaurant there. It was OK... Not great - not bad. I didnt go to the town hall but I did go to the cemetary right outside of town and its a really good source of info. I found out that one side of my family lived there briefly and since there was only one tombstone with that family name on it, they were from a neighboring city in San Guisepe. I will go there next time and research them. But my Bua side was there and I got to see my great great grandparents graves. VERY COOL!! My cousins left there toured me around the city and showed me points of interest and the church where my great grandparents got married. They have a shrine to St. Nicolas there and it was around Christmas so it was really neat to see. Cant wait to go back!

Oh yeah! One more thing... when I first went to PA in 1997 the church my cousins attend (Angela, Carmela and Guiseppe Bua) had a pastor named Father Frank and he spent about 10 years in New York with a church there. He spoke perfect English and when I needed anything he could get it. He told me that the public records only went back to a certain point and the old records had been destroyed in a fire. He said that the cemetary was the best way to research my grandparents and so thats where I got my best information. Plus I was lucky enough to find living cousins still there who helped me with that side of my Sicilian roots. How wonderful the experience was. We will always go back. Now my daughter can enjoy her history with me! Plus, I would add that prices have gone up considerably in hotels and food! But it had been 9 years since I had gone there the first time! The hotel was about 80 dollars a night for a double bedroom. The food prices were very reasonable but had gone up some. If you know some Italian people are willing to help you out even more since you will know how to ask for it so they can understand.

Oh my Gosh! I just stumbled upon this page while googling about Sicily. My grandparents and all of my uncles and aunt born before my father were from Palazzo Adriano! My father was the first child born once they came to the U.S. My grandfather was Guiseppe Grana and my granmother was Luchina Costa. I have found the ship's manifests of both my Nonu and then several years later of my Nana, uncles and aunt on Ancestry.com. All of them are gone now and all I have are the memories of all the stories told at Sunday dinners. My most fervent dream is to go to PA and see where they all came from and hopefully find out more about my family. I noticed Granas in St. Louis from an earlier comment and wonder if we are related? Also, does anyone know of any Costas in PA?

My Grandparents left in 1910 or so. I wonder if any family is left there. My grandfather was Pietro Cavallaro and my Nana was Anna Di Giovanni. I would LOVE to visit!

glad you found my blog! Actually, there have been so many responses from people whose roots are in PA that I thought of starting an online bulletin board! we could all have a big stateside reunion! my great grandmother was giovanna grana, and there is some discrepency as to whether she is related to the Grana family in St. Louis, as her name isn't on the census record of the Grana family. I hope to go to PA this September and get it all straighened out. great mystery to me!

I was born in palazzo adriano, then moved to new york. Its wonderful that there are so many palazzesi in america. Its a beatiuful place to visit they have the best cheese and water. learning about your family roots is excited. I still have family in pa and i travel somewhat often

are there any family by the that name live there may be my relative by that name.

Its a long shot but my family moved in the late 1800s. The name was Pillora. Has anyone run across records or may have been family of the Pilloras?

I want to visit PA this summer and I'll be visiting family near Caltanissetta, in the interior of Siicly. Does anyone know how to arrive at PA by public transport?

I know the bus runs once a day from Palermo. I am not sure what the schedule is from anywhere else. I hope to be there in Sept, but am going to rent a car. bus/train transport in Sicily is very limited, and there's a lot to see Buon Viaggio!

Luchina: Grana, Costa. My grandfather was born in PA. His name was Nicolo Alessi.He came to America around 1903. He told me that on the ship coming to America, that he accompanied a young girl from PA to the USA. He called her Nina. She was Nina Costa.For many years we recieved a christmas card from her. Could she be related to you ? Best Wishes, Tom

I was born in Palazzo Adriano, I live now in California, it is amazing how many people are interested in this little town, many of the last name mentioned are still around, Grana', Costa, Di Giovanni, Masaracchia, Alessi.......but be careful, even if many people share their last name, they may be not related......go to the COMUNE, or the Churches archivesgood luck....buona fortuna for information, go in the mid morning, they may get up late or take a siesta in the afternoon......

Yes, I remember going to the Comune in the later afternoon, and didn't have the time to wait around for someone to return. I am ticketed to Catania for the 8th of September, hiring a car there, then going to Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa, before I head toward PA. Any other destinations of interest please let me know.

any places of interest.....?Sicily...is all interesting....with all the people who wanted to conquer.....and live something of their own, palermo has arabic , byzantin spanish architecture, agrigento has greek ruins.....and also taormina e siracusa.....monreale by palermo has a beautiful cathedral, the mosaic are unique...and on and on..... there are many alessi and grana' still in palazzo, you may be related to some, some of grana' owed a' caffe'", nella piazza, BUONA FORTUNA....and BUON VIAGGIO.... P.S. Play around on the web, typing palazzo adriano you'll see how may sites and pictures are there.....

I spent 4 days in Palermo a few years ago, then went to Cefalu and Enna and then on to Catania via train. I felt so restricted, having no car. This time, going to do some serious 'meandering'. Have also been to most places you mentioned, Agrigento, Taormina, Monreale. I am planning to spend at least 2 days in PA, I am bringing my geneology record with me, to see if I can clear up some mysteries!! caio

I would like to reach Karen Moore who posted a comment on this blog Mar 10 2008.

I was wondering if you know the name of the churchs there? My Great grandfather Peter Scuriba was a sculptur who worked on one of the churches and my mother who is 92 cannot remember. I would love to find out and go visit someday. Thanks, Jeff

the churches names on the greek side are; MARIA SS. ASSUNTA, IN PIAZZA, SAN NICOLA, LA MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE, IN THE COUNTRY.SAN GIOVANNI The latin church es are: MARIA SS. DEL LUME, IN PIAZZA, LA MADONNA DEL CARMELO(CARMINE), ST. ANTONINO in the country side. there are many small churches in the country side...la pieta' is one of them. Hope I helped....go and visit is a very lovely little town.....

sorry, forgat......scuriba? may be SCIURBA??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!sounds more like a palazzese last name.....

The two main churches in the Palazzo Adirano are: Maria SS Assunta (Byzantine) and Santa Maria Del Lume (Roman). There are also a number of oratories in the town connected to one or the other of the main churches. Ron Pecci

Hey! It's great to read that so many people is connected to Palazzo. I'm from Rosario, Argentina, and my grandpa was born in Palazzo. His family had to move away in the earlies 1900s because one of the capomafia's son wanted to marry a sister of my grandpa, and my family didn't want to. As nobody supported them (the mafia blocked their commercial business and they had no way to survive) the ones who came here didn't want to hear about Palazzo. But we travelled in 1983 when I was a little child (my father, mother, brother and me) and when we arrived there we were treated greatly. We have there the families of my grandpa cousins: the Vetranos, the Granas, the Lalas, and the Buscarinos. Every time we go back there my father sleeps in the bed where his father was born. I still e-mail my "relatives" who has more or less my age (30), and call the elderly ones every 4 or 6 months. I hope to come back asap (I've been there in 2001 for the last time).

Post from August 8th, 2008 - Donna Bethel - I've bookmarked this WONDERFUL site and will watch for you. Thanks! Karen

Hello, In google upon typing my last name, Manrara, Palazzo Adriano came up. We are doing a family history and basically know we started in Sicily, some say Palermo, but cannot find exactly where. Perhaps the name has changed some but we know since mid 1700´s it has been Manrara. From Italy the Manrara´s went to Mallorca in Spain, Canary Islands also Spain and then Cuba and back again to Spain and now mainly in Miami, Florida. Please if anyone has heard of the Manrara´s associated to any town or city in Sicily, or Italy for that matter, please let me know. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

My husband's Great grandmother was Carmela Costa. She married Serafino Scramuzza and they Lived in PA. I just found some records and now we have a town of origin. We are finding a lot of info in the Family History Library archives.

SONO UNA RAGAZZA DI PALAZZO PER INFORMAZIONI PUO' MANDARE UN MESSAGGIO. SALUTI

SONO DI PALAZZO ADRIANO PER INFORMAZIONI MANDATE UN E -MAIL

Just returned from trip... have to admit I saw PA in a totally different perspective. First time, time was limited, and it was January. Town appeared sleepy and obscure. This time, it was September, and I had all the time I wanted. It is one jammin' little town, never a dull moment. Special thanks to Francesco, Nicola and Eduard(sp?) Grana who were so gracious to me while I was there! For anyone who visits, don't miss having lunch or dinner at Casale de Borgia Resort, and say hi to Nicola and his brother Eduard (sp?) for me!!

nice to hear you enjoyed your visit to palazzo adriano, where you able to find out which of the alessi are you related with?

Actually, no. No locals with the name Alessi or Grana could connect with any of my ancestors. Since the records before 1850 were destroyed in a fire, there are no existing records of my great great grandparents, although I did find birth records of two of my great uncles who were born after 1850. But when I showed people the geneology of my great great grandparents, no one identified with it as being part of their family. I joked that it was too bad, I had an estate worth many millions of dollars to divide among living relatives.... :)

My brother is here from PA and he gave me a dvd from comune di palazzo adriano. Its shows around the town,inside the beatiuful churches. It tells you a little history of the town and all the feasts that they celebrate througout the year. Just watching the dvd I can't wait to go again. I say great job to the Comune! the upcoming feast is november 11 San Martino.

I was given that DVD while I was there... and some very attractive tourism booklets, I wish they'd do some translating into English though

I just figured out how to publish videos, after looking at this, you'll REALLY want to go back, it's so full of life! http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Sicily/blog-337223.html

My grandfather was born in the town of Palazzo Adriano in 1898. His name was Merchone (MIKE) Cicchirillo or Cichrillo. Came to the USA in 1910 or 1911 not real sure. Trying to find out if there is any family still in town. All so looking for any Glavianos my grandfathers cousins. Please contact me with any info. 949-637-3155 John marino 31441 Holly Dr. Laguna Beach CA. 92651 USA

Do you know if your husband's Great grandmother, Carmela Costa had a sister, Luchina Marie Costa? Luchina Costa was my grandmother from PA

no Costa in my family that I know of... (on my mother's side) Guiseppi Alessi + Antonina Parrino = Georgo Alessi (great grandfather) Domenick Grana + Josephina Ardignola = Giovanni Grana (great grandmother) But the Granas that I met in PA might have Costa.

I'm very surprised that with all the Alessi and Grana' and Parrino, still living in Palazzo, you did not find somebody related to you.....I remember many families with the last names, even not related between them.. maybe because the new generation lost site of their ancestors. I saw your pictures and videos on line, very nice, they reminded me how charming this little town is,and also how little there is to do, I recognized Francesco Grana', he was still a kid when I left, now he is gray, I remember all his family.did not recognized his grandparents, maybe because they changed, are they Granas, or from his mom? to Diana. I remember a Luchina Costa in Palazzo, I'm sure she is gone by now, she was already old, when I left, but the family may be related to you, since they used to name their children after the grandparents, resulting in many cousins whith the same name.

Well, it's so that I could not find any direct link. It was sort of comical though, because there was a young lady in the Municipale that spoke good English, and she took me out to the piazza, where there were some women dressed in police uniforms, and she said one of them was an Alessi... it was like, now I am going to meet my long lost relative, a link from the past. So when I showed her my geneology record with all the names, she shook her head, and said in Italian that there was no connection!! So much for a link to the past!!! So you knew Francesco!! What a small world. I understand he had a brother that passed away, his two sons, Nicola and Enrico are the ones that own & operate Casale Borgia Resort. Did you know any of them? They were all so very kind to me when I was there. I am really looking forward to returning!

hey, I went to visit by car from Cefalu as its where they filmed my fav movie..cinema paridiso (you prob know that). Spent about 4 hours there, it was fantastic. Met a bunch of locals who where in and around the movie set, saw a private collection of photos from the movie in the town hall. I loved in there. went to Corleone as well..did you stop there too?

I was given a book by the chap from the town hall, its all in italian, its called 'Saggio di storia municipale di sicilia' Comune di palazzo adriano, the foreword is written by Giuseppe Alessi. The book by Nicolo Buscemi. It seems to be all about the town. They gave me two copies..if you want one I will gladly send it to you

I went through Corleone on my way to Trapani & Erice (yup, I know it's the wrong way, but that's another story) but didn't stop. I was there a few years ago.

Thanks for the offer... I was also given two copies of the book (I didn't realize it was written by an Alessi!). Yes, PA is where 'Cinema Paradiso' was filmed. I was given a poster of a scene in the movie of the piazza. yes, it's a really good movie. others have said it's the best movie they have ever seen! Now, this really makes me want to return to PA!

well in palazzo everyboby know everybody, I was born and growing up there, exept some years in school, in palermo. I knew Fancesco brother, Lillo, somebody told me he passed, I dont know the childrens, since I have been here, almost 30 years, never heard of the casale borgia, I know they opened a bed and breakfast in palazzo,I still keep in touch with some good old friends, its how sometimes I get some news and gossip.......you should go in august, you will see how many people go back there for their summer vacations, and also see the fiesta , you may be more lucky next time.....And maybe you can ask to meet some old people who used to work in municipio, they may be more helpful of the new cold generation..... p.s can I buy your extra copy of the book that you mentioned?

I would very much like to communicate with someone that lives there. I was born there. I came to NY in 1963. I often think about what changes the town has gone through. My email is autopro101@aol.com. Il mio Italino non e tanto bene piu. Ma poderso, con aiuto, mi posso imparare meglio. Grazie! Nick

Both of my grandparents' families on my mother's side come from Palazzo Andriano. As I was researching our ancestry a few years ago, I discovered the history and charm of PA - I look forward to visiting one day. My grandmother's family included Mariano Costa, his father being Nicolo Costa. Mariano came to the US when he was 17 and it looks like he first went to Independence, LA then shortly left for Pueblo, CO. There he met up with others from PA and married my great grandmother, a Parrino. On my grandfather's side, his father and mother were already married when they arrived (also in Pueblo, CO). My grandfather's name was Nicolas Crispi, his father was Filippo Crispi and his mother was Maria Sabella. Fillippo had 2 sisters that stayed in PA. They had 9 children in PA, all of whom died in infancy. They had another 6 in the US all of who survived. Filippo's father was Nicolo Crispi. We also have DiPetros and Macalusos that all came from PA to the US. Very special people - it is great to see so many others that have PA in common.

I wrote to officials in PA and received the birth certificates for my great- grandfather and great-grandmother and their marriage certificate. I know the family is from PA but don't know how to go further back. Anyone have any ideas? I am looking for Sparacio, Riggio, Genovese. They came through New Orleans and settled in Independence, LA. later moving to Ill. Appreciate any thoughts or ideas. Thanks for the pictures and the information about PA. I would like to go there someday.

by any chance was your father name Giovanni and mother josephine and once lived via giuseppe verdi if so we know each other

I have been researching my family (mother's side) for a few years now and I am so glad I stumbled onto this site. I have never seen so many comments about PA and families that are definitely my kin. Both of my mother's grandparents were from Palazzo Adriano. My great grandfather on my mother's maternal side was Mariano Costa Who did come to America at the age of 17. According to Ellis Island records, he first went to New Orleans (probably Indepence, LA which many families from PA migrated), but he soon joined other family memebers in Trinidad, CO, where he worked in the coal mines. He, along with other Costa family members were involved in a coal-miners' strike in which the Colorado miltia was called and proceeded to burn down the strikers' tent city killing several people. A Charles Costa was one of the victums, he was shot and killed. Mariano married Giovannina Parrino. Eventually the family moved to Woodland Hills, CA where Mariano opened a gas station-car repair-restaurant on Ventura Blvd. My Grandmother's name is Josephine Crispi and she was the first child and was born in Pueblo, CO. On my grandfather's side, His name was Nicholas Crispi and his parents were Fillipo Crispi and Mariana Sabella. They were married in PA and had and lost 6 children before leaving for America where they had 7 healthy children. They also went to Pueblo, Co and then on to Alhambra (in Los Angeles) where Fillipo worked for the city parks department and actually planted and cared for the famous rose garden at Expostion Park across the street from USC. My mother has been back to PA a few times. We hope to go together in the near future. When she visited there she spent time in the Latin (Catholic) church not realizing that our family actually belonged to the Greek Church. I would love to hook up with some of you to discover more about our families. I do know that there were four Crispi families living in PA in the early 1800's, two of them gentry and two of them peasent. One of the gentry families was Francesco Crispi's (Prime Minister of Italy) grandparents. Don Francesco Crispi was a priest at the Greek Church and ran an produce exporting business. One of Don Francesco's nephews was Giuseppe Crispi who was the Titular Bishop of Lampudsa and taught Greek at the University of Palermo. Look forward to hearing more from everyone. Take care Michael

thanks much!

Note to Michael. An Italian prime minister, Francesco Crispi, who served in the late 19th century, had roots in Palazzo Adriano. I think his father was born there.

I saw your blog and I noticed many commonalities. My dad was raised in PA and my grandparents as well as many other relatives came from there. There are still about 20 Chiarchiaro's living in PA. My mom's family lived in Sopris, CO, Pueblo, and Trinidad. My grandfather, Michael Crappa/Capra, was killed in a mining accident in CO. Other male family members worked in the coal mines near Trinidad, like Fillipo Crappa/Capra, Michael Crappa/Capra, Joe Basta, Charlie Basta. The family relocated to Lincoln Heights, CA probably around 1920. Some of the family lived in Alhambra. I know that we had some friends with the last name of Costa. I think my grandomother's maiden name was Cuccia, and there are some Cuccia's still in PA. Let me know if you would like to explore this further.

my grandparents from palazzo adriano were giuseppe grana' and luchina costa. they immigrated to trinidad colorado then to los angeles california. i have been to palazzo twice and stayed with my aunt luchina costa, wife of nino parrino. before i left the last time i filmed video footage of aunt luchina answering questions regarding our grana-costa relatives

Thank you for this fabulous site. For the first time I see the name Dragotta in print other than in my own family and in the Ellis Island records. Vincenzo Dragotta is the name of my maternal grandfather, his wife was Oliva Rodolico and she had a brother Matteo and sister Anna, all from PA. My maternal great grandmother was a Consoniere. My grandparents came through Ellis Island, they were married in PA. They settled in NYC for a period of time and moved onto Wilmington, DE to raise their family. If anyone out there recognizes any of the above noted sur names and has any information I would be delighted. This is the closest I've come to my mother's relatives.

Loved reading what you said. Photos were great also. I too prefer to travel solo, and prefer the out-of-the-way places. You can be sure I'll visit Palazzo Adriano. Maybe I'll catch a glimpse of you across the piazza. Be sure to wave. b.

Jeff, We must be related! My great grandfather was Peter Sciurba, the sculptor at the church in PA. His son, Nicolo Sciurba, was my grandfather. I would love to hear from you. Can you give me your email address? Where do you live?

My great-grandfather, Vincenzo Gristina came from Palazzo Adriano. He eventually settled in the New Orleans area. A few years ago we had the opportunity to visit Palazzo Adriano and stayed with my cousins who still reside there. It was a trip of lifetime!

My grandfather was from Palazzo Adriano. I have found maybe his brother Nicolo Alessi and Nicolo's wife Carmela Grani coming to the US in 1905 and1907.

Hello, I am looking into visiting Sicily and came across your info. Are you possibly my cousin? My great grandfathers name was Peter Sciurba also. Please contact me at this email address.

My email address is Ltiffany124@aol.com. Love to hear from you. Was you mothers name Bridgia (spelling?) ??? Lillian

My grandmother's from PA. Her maiden name was Ferrara and she came from a family of bakers in the town. My great grandmother married a man named Schiro and moved to Chicago. I can't believe there are so many blogs about this little town! Can't wait to go and see this bel posto.

My wife, myself and two of my three children will visit Palazzo Adriano as part of our visit to Sicily, July 1-8. Her maiden name is Canzoneri. Don't know if this spelling is anglicized or original..presume it is. Her grandfather was George Canzoneri (known to his compatriots as Don Giorgio). Relatives have traced his roots to PA before the turn of the century. he married a woman, Josephine Schiro and settled in Shreveport. Louisiana. Moved to Brooklyn, NY with four sons and two daughters around 1920 or so. The second oldest boy, Tony Canzoneri, became the featherweight boxing champion in 1925 and won world titles as junior lightweight and lightweight champion before his career ended in 1935. He was beloved and celebrated like Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey. It is believed some with the same last surname still live in PA. Anyone with any info? We will visit the public records with an interpreter. Might be able to help those looking for Schiro's.

Hi JR: Was your grandmother Carmela Grana and your grandfather Domenic Alessi? If so we are related. My grandmother was Carmela's sister Antonina Grana. The mother of Carmela and Antonina was Vita Masaracchia. Please let me know if we are related. My e-mail is mtc3@q.com. Michael Crappa

tyring yo locate the Cicchirillo family, my grandfather was born in Palazzo Adriano Merchone or Mike Cicchirillo. His father was very tall they called him the giant. My Grandfather left there at the age of 13 to come to America and settled in Los Angeles. he married a Glaviano. The last time I visited palazzo Adriano was in 1974 and the Mayor of the town was Mr. TORTAMASI he was related to my grandfather. Hope anyone out there knows of those family's. Thank You, John Marino

My wife is Catherine Mae (Parrino) Jack born in Los Angeles. Her grandfather is Giuseppi Parrino born in Palazzo Adriano 1868. He came to Aguilar, near Trinidad, Colorado, where he settled in 1895. He owned a dance hall, saloon, and Texaco gas station, which included a lunch room and store. He also had 700 goats and made cheese. He shipped the cheese in empty wooden beer barrels from the saloon to Pueblo, Chicago and New York. He died in Pueblo, Colorado 1918. Catherine Mae (Parrino) Jack's grandmother, wife of Giuseppi Parrino, is Rosa Di Giovanni born in Palazzo Adriano 1871 and died in Los Angeles 1953. My wife is also descended from Lo Bosco and Vanella of Palazzo Adriano. She is related to Costa, Tamburelli and Maculuso. Her brother Anthony Parrino visited Palazzo Adriano a few years ago and nobody there knew of any Parrinos living there at that time. Finally two little girls took him to a home of an elderly woman, a Parrino cousin, who seemed to have memory loss. Several years before that an American Parrino cousin visited the city hall and was able to get copies of birth certificates. Before Anthony visited Palazzo Adriano, I read where the surname Parrino in Palazzo Adriano was one of the more numerous surnames there?

Greetings! Yes, Parrino is a common name in PA, and on my last visit (10/08) I did meet some with the Parrino surname, although they didn't make any connection the Grana/Alessi surnames of my family. In the cemetery there are many monuments to the Parrino family. caio!

My grandfather (Giovanni Alessi) brother (Guiseppe Alessi) another brother who ended up in California and a sister came to the US in the early 1900's. My grandfather lived in Pueblo, Colorado and his brother Guiseppe moved to Trinidad, Colorado and started the Alessi Dairy. They were from Palazzo Adriano. I am not sure about the names of his other sibblings. I also know he had at least one other sister who stayed in Palazzo Adriano. If anyone has information about this family please let me know. I also live in Pueblo and am planning to go to Trinidad to see if I can find any info on this part of my family. Thanks for any help. Mary Lou

My great-grandparents are also Grana! And from Palazzo Adriano!

Gerald, mr great grandfather owned a Texaco gas station with a restaurant and bar next to it. The Texaco station had a large sign on the top that bore his name = "M. Costa" The M stands for Mariano. his wife was Giovannia Parrino. Mariano was born in 1880 in PA and immigrated to the US in 1898. According to the ship's manifest he was going to New Orleans, but I am not sure he actually went there. Anyway, he ended up going to Trinidad, CO and worked in the coal mines. He also married my great-grandmother there. Sometime between 1924 and 1930 the family moved to Woodland Hills, CA were he opened the gas station and restaurant. It was located on Ventura Blvd. - there is a photo from Cal State Northridge's library showing my great-grandfather in front of his business. We also have Lo Bosco and Macaluso in our family and also DiPetro, Crispi, Tambruello and Buscarino. I would say that we are from the same family. My great-grandfather did half a few sheep, goats, horses and chicken on his property - his eldest son, Nick Costa had one of the largest sheep ranches in Cailf. in Newbury Park.

Trying to locate my Grandfathers Family that may still live in Palazzo Adriano. Is the family called the Tortormasi still there, looking for any Glaviano's as well. Please let me know. John Marino

Michael, my wife Catherine Mae (Parrino) Jack is your 2nd cousin once removed and your 3rd cousin to our 2 daughters. Cathy as a child with her parents, Ignacio aka Charlie Parrino and her mother Lena (Nicola) Parrino remembers visiting your great grandparents at Chalk Hill where they lived, that you mention in your Aug 10, 2009 comment. Giovannia Parrino is Charlie's aunt. Charlie's father is Giuseppi Parrino a brother to your great grandmother Giovannia (Parrino) Costa. Cathy's parents moved to Los Angeles in 1925 from Pueblo Colorado where Giovannia (Parrino) Costa's brother, Giudeppi Parrino, father of Charlie Parrino, is buried. Giuseppi Parrino's wife, Rose (Digiovanni) Parrino, is buried in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in East Los Angeles. Is any of your family buried there? It is amazing how we find relationships at this site. Many thanks to the sponsor.

My wife Catherine Mae (Parrino) Jack, listed in the July 24th, 2009 Comments, is also a great grandaughter of Antonius Parrino who was born in Palazzo Adriano and died in1904. He was buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Trinidad, Colorado. Later the grave was relocated to? According to cousin Rose Ferris, she and her mother a Tamburelli visited the cemetery and no one could tell them where the grave was moved to? Antonius Parrino was married to Vincenza Lo Bosco who was born in1846 at Palazzo Adriano. She was buried ln the same Catholic Cemetery as Antonius in Trinidad, Colorado, whose graves were relocated to? Ellis Island Record: Ship Manifest, Vincenza Lo Bosco (married women were listed under their maiden names) sailed on the S.S. Hohenzolleran from Naples, Italy, October 31, 1901, and arrived November 13, 1901, Age 55 with daughter Adriana Parrino Age 29. Possession of money: Vincenza, $8.00 and Adriana, $20.00. Final Destnation: Berwind, Colorado to join husbands Antonius Parrino and Nicoli Macaluso. Cathy's grandmother, wife of Guiseppi Parrino (son of Antonius and Vincenza) is Rosa (Digiovanni) Parrino born in PA. Rosa is the daughter of Salvatore Di Giovanni and Paola Vanela from Palazzo Adriano. They are also Cathy's great grandparents.

My grandfather, Andrea Parrino, came to New Orleans in 1894 on the SS Initiativo. He married Antonina Scalia and moved to Morgan City, LA. He ultimately settled in Bastrop, LA where my father and I were born. If ,by referral by you or someone reading your excellent site I can obtain some contact, I would very much apprciate it. Thank you very much. Pat Parrino Rome, Georgia, USA

If you're a Cicchorillo, Ciccorillo or a Bua from this Palazzo, I may also be related to you. My maternal grandmother, Sarah Bua grew up there and my cousins are all Ciccorillo's, I'm not entirely sure of the connection, only that much of it. I still have family there that I've never met, though my sister has gone over a few times and met them. I would love to go someday soon! It's lovely to see it here on your blog. I love the little picture of the "Cinema Paradiso" you included. I bought the movie a few years back hoping to see some of my family in it as an extra. It's so cute and it really showcases the quaint uniqueness of Sicily.

I had posted a few months ago about my grandfather, John Aless, I have learned recently that his sister who did not come to America but stayed in PA was Angelina Alessi (Parrino). If anyone has a connection or is able to give me anymore information I would appreciate it. Mary Lou

Hi, I'm looking for a picture of de "piazza" with de fountaine and the cathollique church. I want to do a present for my father who comes from palazzo adriano. I know he would like a poster of this place but we don't have any goed pictures. I need a file with a JPEG picture high pixels. I try to get this for Christmas ... Does anyone have something for me ??? Thank you very much ... i hope to hear something from you ! Johanna