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''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Spain, go to the [[Spain Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''


==Catholic Church Records==
[[Europe]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Spain Genealogy|Spain]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] Church Records {{Spain-sidebar}}
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[[File:Catholic Diocese Spain.jpg|right|thumb|300px|<center>Map of the Dioceses of Spain</center>]]
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Catholicism's roots extend deep into Spain's history. Parish and diocesan records created by the Catholic Church in Spain have long been considered some of the richest genealogical records in the world. The Catholic Church has created several different records. The most used in genealogical research include: baptisms (bautizos, bautismos), marriages (matrimonios), and burials (entierros, defunciones, fallecimientos). Other records include: confirmations (confimaciones), pre-marriage investigations (expedientes matrimoniales, información matrimonial). The vast majority of Spaniards are Catholic and so almost every Spaniard can be found in the records of the Catholic Church.
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==Time Coverage==
=== Catholic Church Records  ===


*Ever since the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_trent Council of Trent], 1545 and 1563, Catholic parish records have been consistently recorded, usually providing three generations in a single baptismal entry.
Catholicism's roots extend deep into Spain's history. Parish and diocesan records created by the Catholic Church in Spain have long been considered some of the richest genealogical records in the world. Ever since the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_trent Council of Trent] Catholic parish records have been consistently recorded, usually providing three generations in a single baptismal entry.  
*The Catholic Church was the primary record keeper of births, marriages, and deaths, until civil registration started in 1869.
*Some church records have been lost or have deteriorated due natural disasters such as fire, flood, and earthquakes. Civil and political strife has also caused record loss, including during time of the Spanish Civil War.


'''Tip: '''If you are researching after 1869 when Civil Registration started in Spain both church and civil records should be searched since there may be information in one record that does not appear in the other.
The vast majority of Spaniards are Catholic and so almost every Spaniard can be found in the records of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church was the primary record keeper of births, marriages, and deaths, until civil registration started in 1869.  


==Information Content==
Some church records have been lost or have deteriorated due natural disasters such as fire, flood, and earthquakes. Civil and political strife has also caused record loss, including during time of the Spanish Civil War.
 
The Catholic Church has created several different records. The most used in genealogical research include: baptisms (bautizos, bautismos), marriages (matrimonios), and burials (entierros, defunciones, fallecimientos). Other records include: confirmations (confimaciones), pre-marriage investigations (expedientes matrimoniales, información matrimonial).
 
'''Tip: '''If you are researching after 1869 when Civil Registration started in Spain both church and civil records should be searched since there may be information in one record that does not appear in the other.
 
=== Parish Records  ===


Parish records are the most common Church record used in family history and genealogical research. Spanish Catholic parish records were recorded by local parish priests, however, most of the records (older than 100 years) have been centralized into the diocesan archive to which the parish belongs. Parish records include the following:  
Parish records are the most common Church record used in family history and genealogical research. Spanish Catholic parish records were recorded by local parish priests, however, most of the records (older than 100 years) have been centralized into the diocesan archive to which the parish belongs. Parish records include the following:  


To learn more about each type of record, click on the name of the record type to be led to another article about that record type.
*[[Spain Baptisms|Baptisms]]
*[[Spain Confirmations|Confirmations]] (sometimes recorded in the parish baptism book, but sometimes they are recorded in their own book(s)
*[[Spain Marriages|Marriages]] (marriage blessings velaciones sometimes are found separately)
*[[Spain Marriage Information Files|Marriage Information Files]]
*[[Spain Deaths|Deaths or Burials]]
 
To learn more about each type of record, click on the name of the record type to be led to another article about that record type.  


===Baptisms===
=== Diocesan Records  ===
[[Spain Baptisms|Baptism records]] usually contain the following information:


*Infant’s place and date of baptism
Spain is divided into [http://www.conferenciaepiscopal.es/diocesis/default.htm 70 dioceses]. Each dioceses is divided into many parishes. Dioceses created several different types of records. These records can be searched in diocesan archives throughout Spain. Some diocesan records have been microfilmed and are available through the Family History Library (FHL). Perform a Place Search in the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog FamilySearch Catalog ]for the dioceses where your ancestor lived. Diocesan records include:
*Age at time of baptism, usually given in days, which helps determine the birth date.
*Child’s names
*Status of legitimacy
*Parents’ names and possibly their birth places and places of residence
*Godparents’ names and possibly their places of residence
*You might also find the names of grandparents


===Confirmations===
*Administrative and Financial
[[Spain Confirmations|Confirmations]] are sometimes recorded in the parish baptism book, but sometimes they are recorded in their own book(s). Information found regularly in confirmation records includes the following:
*Disciplinary and Judicial
*Marriage Dispensations and Pre-marriage Investigations
*Pastoral Visits and Confirmations


*Name of the parish
=== Locating Diocesan and Parish Records  ===
*Name of individual being confirmed along with the godparents
*Sometimes parents are named, but not always.


===Marriages===
There are three different ways to obtain Spanish Catholic Church records.  
[[Spain Marriages|Marriage records]] usually contain the following information:
*Names, ages, occupations, and residences of the bride and groom
*Date and place of marriage
*Marital status, including if one or both were previously widowed and the name of the deceased spouse.
*Parental permission, if they were minors
*Names of witnesses
*May include birth place or residence of parents and grandparents, the dates the marriage banns were announced and whether or not there was an impediment to the marriage.


Marriage blessings (''velaciones'') are sometimes are found separately.
=== '''Online'''  ===


===Deaths or Burials===
Not very many Church records have been digitized and placed online but the numbers are growing. The following archives have placed either indexes or images online.  
[[Spain Deaths|Death or burial records]] usually contain the following information
*Deceased person’s name
*Date and place of burial and/or death
*Age
*Place of residence
*Marital status
*Cause of death
*In most death records the women are recorded by their maiden names
*Name of surviving spouse
*Occasionally, it is noted if the person had a will
*If a minor, the date and place of birth and parents’ names are given.


===Diocesan Records===
*[http://mendezmende.org/es/ Archivo Histórico Diocesano de San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa)]
Spain is divided into [http://www.conferenciaepiscopal.es/diocesis-espanolas/ 70 dioceses]. Each dioceses is divided into many parishes. Dioceses created several different types of records. These records can be searched in diocesan archives throughout Spain. Some diocesan records have been microfilmed and are available through the FamilySearch Library (FS Library). Perform a Place Search in the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] for the dioceses where your ancestor lived. Diocesan records include:
*[http://www.ahdv-geah.org/index.html Archivo Histórico Diocesano de Álava (Vitoria)]
*[http://www.aheb-beha.org/ Archivo Histórico Eclesiástico de Vizcaya (Bilbao)] To search all three provinces at once visit the website [http://dokuklik.snae.org Dokuklik] and click on the words [http://dokuklik.snae.org/sacramentales.php Registros sacramentales] to use the search engine.
*[http://www.ahat.cat/?action=home Archivo Histórico Archidiocesano de Tarragona] Requires a free subscription. To learn more about how to navigate the site see [[Archdiocese of Tarragona Online Parish Records|Archdiocese of Tarragona Online Parish Records]].
*[http://www.arxparrvalencia.es/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=70 Archivo Diocesano de Valencia] Requires a free subscription. These are only indexed records. You can then order them from the Archive for a fee. This page is found only in Spanish and Valencian.  
*[http://www.iglesianavarra.org/diocesis/archivo-diocesano-2/ Archivo Diocesano de Pamplona](Email Only) Contact information for the dioceses archive in the region of Navarra. You will need to send an email to them in Spanish and give them as much detail as possible. You will have to pay a small fee for each record plus shipping.


*Administrative and Financial
=== [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library (FHL)] and [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family History Centers (FHCs)]]  ===
*Disciplinary and Judicial
*Marriage Dispensations and Pre-marriage Investigations
*Pastoral Visits and Confirmations


==Locating Diocesan and Parish Records==
The FHL is the largest genealogical library in the world. The FHL has microfilmed parish records for about 1/3 of Spain's dioceses. To determine if the FHL has microfilmed records for the parish (or dioceses) your ancestors lived, perform a Place Search in the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog FamilySearch Catalog]. You will also want to check to see if any records have been extracted/indexed and placed in the IGI. You can learn more about by reading: [[Finding the Source of IGI Batch Numbers]]


===Spain Archives Online===
'''Indexed records available on FamilySearch'''
The following archives have placed either indexes or images online.


*[http://mendezmende.org/es/ Archivo Histórico Diocesano de San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa)]
*'''1502 - 1940''' - {{RecordSearch|1500692|Spain, Baptisms 1502-1940}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index
*[http://www.ahdv-geah.org/index.html Archivo Histórico Diocesano de Álava (Vitoria)]
*'''1600 - 1920''' - {{RecordSearch|1500694|Spain Deaths, 1600-1920}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] - index
*[https://redbagranada.es/archivo-historico-de-la-diocesis-de-granada-biblioteca-auxiliar/ Archivo Histórico Diocesano de Granada]
*'''1565 - 1950''' - {{RecordSearch|1400693|Spain Marriages, 1565-1950}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] - index
*[http://archivo-obsegorbecastellon.es/index.php/indexacion?fbclid=IwAR3Jye2IB4ZpMUEINr4JOSAdM8RqxrrD90AQB_HJxBadyhgRYL1iEf5VSk0 Archivo Histórico Diocesano de Segorbe-Castellón]
*'''1556 - 1899''' - {{RecordSearch|1865748|Spain, Granada Catholic Pre-Marriage Investigation Files, Index, 1556-1899}} [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] - index
*[https://www.aheb-beha.org/ Archivo Histórico Eclesiástico de Vizcaya (Bilbao)] To search all three provinces at once visit the website [https://www.artxibo.euskadi.eus/webartxi00-container/es/ad53aArchivoHistoricoWar/sacramentales/maintSimple?locale=es Archivo Histórico de Euskadi] and click on the words [https://www.artxibo.euskadi.eus/webartxi00-container/es/ad53aArchivoHistoricoWar/sacramentales/maintSimple?locale=es Registros sacramentales] to use the search engine. (Note: ''only available in Spain'')
*'''1504 - 1979''' - {{RecordSearch|1431011|Spain, Diocese of Albacete, Catholic Church Records, 1504-1979}} - index and images
*[http://www.ahat.cat/?action=home Archivo Histórico Archidiocesano de Tarragona] To learn more about how to navigate the site see [[Archdiocese of Tarragona Online Parish Records|Archdiocese of Tarragona Online Parish Records]].
*'''1502 - 1975''' - {{RecordSearch|1449880|Spain, Diocese of Ávila, Catholic Church Records, 1502-1975}} - index and images
*[http://www.arxparrvalencia.org/ Archivo Diocesano de Valencia] Requires a free subscription. These are only indexed records. You can then order them from the Archive for a fee. This page is found only in Spanish and Valencian.
*'''1550 - 1966''' - {{RecordSearch|1583608|Spain Diocese of Lugo Catholic Parish Records 1550-1966}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index
*[http://www.iglesianavarra.org/diocesis/archivo-diocesano-2/ Archivo Diocesano de Pamplona](Email Only) Contact information for the dioceses archive in the region of Navarra. You will need to send an email to them in Spanish and give them as much detail as possible. You will have to pay a small fee for each record plus shipping.
*[http://archivodiocesanomadrid.es/ Archivo Histórico Diocesano de Madrid] Click on the parish or area you are interested in under Fondos del Archivo Histórico Diocesano de Madrid. The list will expand. Then continue to click on what you need until you get to the images. Not all records are available yet. Using a book with indexes, locate your ancestor and order a copy of the record. Actual records are not fully viewable on the site.
*[https://www.arxiuadg.org/index.php/arxius/arxiu-diocesa-girona.html Archivo Histórico de Girona] Requires a free registration. Digital images of parish record books and marriage dispensations are being digitized and made available through the site.
*[https://artxipelag.com/empresa/arxiu-capitular-de-mallorca-acm/ Archivo del Catedral de Mallorca] To access the searchable indexes of baptisms, marriages and deaths, visit their blog [https://blog.catedraldemallorca.org/ca/arxiu/index-de-baptismes-matrimonis-i-defuncions/ Índexs de baptismes, matrimonis i defuncions]. Not all records are available yet. Using a book with indexes, locate your ancestor and order a copy of the record. Actual records are not fully viewable on the site. It only includes sacraments done at the Cathedral and not at other parish churches in Mallorca.


===FamilySearch Historical Records===
<br> '''Digital images available on FamilySearch'''  
FamilySearch Historical Records has the following collections (current as of  30 April 2018):
*'''1307-1985''' {{RecordSearch|1784529|Spain, Catholic Church Records, 1307-1985}} at FamilySearch - index & images
*'''1500-1930''' {{RecordSearch|1784529|Spain, Catholic Church Records, 1500-1930}} at FamilySearch  - images only.
**{{RecordSearch|1784529|Barcelona|access=browse}}
**{{RecordSearch|1784529|Ciudad Real|access=browse}}
**{{RecordSearch|1784529|Gerona|access=browse}}
**{{RecordSearch|1784529|Murcia|access=browse}}
**{{RecordSearch|1784529|Salamanca|access=browse}} (diocese of Ciudad Rodrigo)


*'''1502-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1500692|Spain, Baptisms 1502-1940}} at FamilySearch — index
Spain, Catholic Church Records, 1500-1930
*'''1503-1969''' {{RecordSearch|2345225|Spain, Diocese of Cartagena, Catholic Church Records, 1503-1969}} at FamilySearch - index & images
*'''1504-1979''' {{RecordSearch|1431011|Spain, Diocese of Albacete, Catholic Church Records, 1504-1979}} at FamilySearch - index & images
*'''1600-1920''' {{RecordSearch|1500694|Spain Deaths, 1600-1920}} at FamilySearch - index
*'''1565-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1500693|Spain Marriages, 1565-1950}} at FamilySearch - index
*'''1504-1979''' {{RecordSearch|1431011|Spain, Diocese of Albacete, Catholic Church Records, 1504-1979}} - index & images
*'''1502-1975''' {{RecordSearch|1449880|Spain, Diocese of Ávila, Catholic Church Records, 1502-1975}} - index & images
*'''1503-1969''' {{RecordSearch|2345225|Spain, Diocese of Cartagena, Catholic Church Records, 1503-1969}} at FamilySearch — index & images
*'''1550-1966''' {{RecordSearch|1583608|Spain, Diocese of Lugo Catholic Parish Records 1550-1966}} at FamilySearch — index
*'''1538-1985''' {{RecordSearch|2078544|Spain, Diocese of Santander, Catholic Church Records, 1538-1985}} at FamilySearch — index & images
*'''1533-1987''' {{RecordSearch|1433451|Spain, Diocese of Segovia, Catholic Church Records, 1533-1987}} at FamilySearch — images only.
*'''1565-2013''' {{RecordSearch|2242885|Spain, Province of Teruel, Catholic Church Records, 1565-2013}} at FamilySearch — images only.
*'''1556-1899''' {{RecordSearch|1865748|Spain, Granada Catholic Pre-Marriage Investigation Files, Index, 1556-1899}} at FamilySearch - index; ''Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30269/spain-province-of-granada-catholic-pre-marriage-investigation-files-1556?s=275764761 MyHeritage]'' ($)
**'''Pre-Marriage Investigation Files:''' The Catholic church records for the diocese of Granada, Spain located on FamilySearch.org include a large collection of expedientes matrimoniales, or pre-marriage investigation files. These records were created in preparation for the marriage of a couple and are treasure troves of genealogical information. Pre-marriage investigation files may contain transcripts of other documents (such as baptism records of the bride and groom), written permission from parents for the couple to marry, descriptions of how the couple were related, if applicable (sometimes including hand-drawn pedigrees), and more. '''The pre-marriage information files of Granada, Spain are organized uniquely on FamilySearch.org and may require some guidance to navigate. Visit the page [https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Granada,_Spain_Pre-Marriage_Investigation_Files Granada, Spain Pre-Marriage Investigation Files] in the FamilySearch Research Wiki to learn more about utilizing these valuable records.'''
===Other Online Records===
*'''1501-1900''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10729/spain-bilbao-diocese-catholic-parish-records-1501-1900?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=supersearch&tr_funnel=supersearch&tr_country=US&tr_creative=oct19historicalrecords&utm_content=oct19historicalrecords Spain, Bilbao Diocese, Catholic Parish Records, 1501-1900] at MyHeritage - index ($)<br><br>
*'''1502-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1500692|Spain, Baptisms 1502-1940}} at [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/spain-baptisms-1502-1940 Findmypast] — index; ''Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30056/spain-baptisms-1502-1940?s=275764761 MyHeritage]'' ($)
*'''1600-1920''' {{RecordSearch|1500694|Spain Deaths, 1600-1920}} at [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/spain-deaths-1600-1920 Findmypast] - index
*'''1565-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1500693|Spain Marriages, 1565-1950}} at [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/spain-marriages-1565-1950 Findmypast] - index; ''Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30057/spain-marriages-1565-1950?s=275764761 MyHeritage]'' ($)


===Microfilmed/Digitized Records===
*{{RecordSearch|1784529|Barcelona|access=browse}}
Parish records have been microfilmed and digitized. To access them from the FamilySearch Catalog:
*{{RecordSearch|1784529|Ciudad Real|access=browse}}
#Go to the Locality section of the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=1927167&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Spain%22 FamilySearch Catalog].
*{{RecordSearch|1784529|Gerona|access=browse}}
#A list "Places within Spain" will open. Click on the appropriate province.
*{{RecordSearch|1784529|Murcia|access=browse}}
#Open the list of places within the province.  Select your town.
*{{RecordSearch|1784529|Salamanca|access=browse}}
#A list of record categories will open up. Click on "Church records".
*'''1538 - 1985''' - {{RecordSearch|2078544|Spain, Diocese of Santander, Catholic Church Records, 1538-1985}} — images
#A list of available records will appear. Click on the record title you are interested in searching.
*'''1533 - 1987''' - {{RecordSearch|1433451|Spain, Diocese of Segovia, Catholic Church Records, 1533-1987}}
#Scroll down to the list of microfilm numbers. Some combination of the icons below will be seen at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm.<br>[[File:FHL icons.png|100px]]


===Writing for Records===
=== '''Archive Research'''  ===


*This can be done either through letter correspondence or sometimes email (or researching in person).
This can be done either through letter correspondence, email (sometimes), or researching in person. Please see the [[Spain Catholic Church Directories]]<span> article for more contact information for dioceses and parishes. You can find diocesan websites at:[http://www.conferenciaepiscopal.es/diocesis/diocesis.htm Conferencia Episcopal Diocesis] please visit the site to determine if you can make an email request. Another site with good information on the archives of Spain (both ecclesiastical and government) is the Censo-Guía de Archivos de España e Iberoamérica ([http://aer.mcu.es/sgae/index_censo_guia.jsp http://aer.mcu.es/sgae/index_censo_guia.jsp]). While it is only available in Spanish, it can provide detailed information on the collections and documents within an archive and allows you to narrow your search down to specific archives.
*Please see the [[Spain Catholic Church Directories]]<span> article for more contact information for dioceses and parishes.  
</span>
*You can find diocesan websites at: [https://conferenciaepiscopal.es/diocesis/ '''Conferencia Episcopal Diocesis'''] please visit the site to determine if you can make an email request.
*Another site with good information on the archives of Spain (both ecclesiastical and government) is the [http://censoarchivos.mcu.es/CensoGuia/portada.htm '''Censo-Guía de Archivos de España e Iberoamérica''']. While it is only available in Spanish, it can provide detailed information on the collections and documents within an archive and allows you to narrow your search down to specific archives.
*Use the [[Spanish Letter Writing Guide|'''Spanish Letter Writing Guide''']] for help writing your letter in Spanish.


'''Wiki articles describing online collections are found at:'''


*[[Spain Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[Spain Baptisms (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[Spain Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[Spain Deaths (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[Spain, Albacete Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Spain, Albacete Catholic Church Records, (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[Spain Avila Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Spain Avila Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
*[[Spain, Diocese of Lugo, Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]


<br>  
<br>  


[[pt:Espanha, Registros da Igreja]]
{{H-langs|en=Spain Church Records|pt=Espanha, Registros da Igreja|es=Registros eclesiásticos de España}}
[[es:Registros eclesiásticos de España]]


[[Category:Spain_Church_Records]]  
[[Category:Spain_Church_Records]] [[Category:Roman_Catholics]] [[Category:Church_Records_by_Country]]
[[Category:Roman_Catholics]]  
[[Category:Church_Records_by_Country]]

Revision as of 12:13, 3 September 2016

Europe Gotoarrow.png Spain Gotoarrow.png Church Records

Spain Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Country Background
Local Research Resources

Catholic Church Records[edit | edit source]

Catholicism's roots extend deep into Spain's history. Parish and diocesan records created by the Catholic Church in Spain have long been considered some of the richest genealogical records in the world. Ever since the Council of Trent Catholic parish records have been consistently recorded, usually providing three generations in a single baptismal entry.

The vast majority of Spaniards are Catholic and so almost every Spaniard can be found in the records of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church was the primary record keeper of births, marriages, and deaths, until civil registration started in 1869.

Some church records have been lost or have deteriorated due natural disasters such as fire, flood, and earthquakes. Civil and political strife has also caused record loss, including during time of the Spanish Civil War.

The Catholic Church has created several different records. The most used in genealogical research include: baptisms (bautizos, bautismos), marriages (matrimonios), and burials (entierros, defunciones, fallecimientos). Other records include: confirmations (confimaciones), pre-marriage investigations (expedientes matrimoniales, información matrimonial).

Tip: If you are researching after 1869 when Civil Registration started in Spain both church and civil records should be searched since there may be information in one record that does not appear in the other.

Parish Records[edit | edit source]

Parish records are the most common Church record used in family history and genealogical research. Spanish Catholic parish records were recorded by local parish priests, however, most of the records (older than 100 years) have been centralized into the diocesan archive to which the parish belongs. Parish records include the following:

To learn more about each type of record, click on the name of the record type to be led to another article about that record type.

Diocesan Records[edit | edit source]

Spain is divided into 70 dioceses. Each dioceses is divided into many parishes. Dioceses created several different types of records. These records can be searched in diocesan archives throughout Spain. Some diocesan records have been microfilmed and are available through the Family History Library (FHL). Perform a Place Search in the FamilySearch Catalog for the dioceses where your ancestor lived. Diocesan records include:

  • Administrative and Financial
  • Disciplinary and Judicial
  • Marriage Dispensations and Pre-marriage Investigations
  • Pastoral Visits and Confirmations

Locating Diocesan and Parish Records[edit | edit source]

There are three different ways to obtain Spanish Catholic Church records.

Online[edit | edit source]

Not very many Church records have been digitized and placed online but the numbers are growing. The following archives have placed either indexes or images online.

Family History Library (FHL) and Family History Centers (FHCs)[edit | edit source]

The FHL is the largest genealogical library in the world. The FHL has microfilmed parish records for about 1/3 of Spain's dioceses. To determine if the FHL has microfilmed records for the parish (or dioceses) your ancestors lived, perform a Place Search in the FamilySearch Catalog. You will also want to check to see if any records have been extracted/indexed and placed in the IGI. You can learn more about by reading: Finding the Source of IGI Batch Numbers

Indexed records available on FamilySearch


Digital images available on FamilySearch

Spain, Catholic Church Records, 1500-1930

Archive Research[edit | edit source]

This can be done either through letter correspondence, email (sometimes), or researching in person. Please see the Spain Catholic Church Directories article for more contact information for dioceses and parishes. You can find diocesan websites at:Conferencia Episcopal Diocesis please visit the site to determine if you can make an email request. Another site with good information on the archives of Spain (both ecclesiastical and government) is the Censo-Guía de Archivos de España e Iberoamérica (http://aer.mcu.es/sgae/index_censo_guia.jsp). While it is only available in Spanish, it can provide detailed information on the collections and documents within an archive and allows you to narrow your search down to specific archives.

Wiki articles describing online collections are found at:


Family History Library (FHL); now called, FamilySearch Library (FSL)

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