I have an Italian great grandfather born in Genoa in 1829. How can I trace his

Question:

I have an Italian great grandfather born in Genoa in 1829. How can I trace his family?

Maybe there was a census in the 1830's and perhaps it is on the web. The snag is my Italian is very limited

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: 1829 was prior to recorded civil birth records in Italy, but church records certainly exist and are very useful. Start by contacting the parish priest(s) and see what you can find out about exactly who to contact and what they will need from you. Usually, a donation will be appreciated and will help you get noticed. Also, a short letter explaining who you are and your purpose. Find someone who can translate it to Italian for you.
Generally, Italians during that period did not travel a great distance away from their home, so your grandfather may have been married in the same church. His parents were probably married there and may even have been baptized there too.
It can sometimes help to understand the Italian naming convention wherein the first born male child is customarily named after the fathers father (the child's grandfather). Thus, the father honors his father. You may/will see this convention hold true in generation after generation.
More work will be required than going to the web, but you'll have fun doing it. Good Luck.