Visit the beautiful Villa Mussolini to understand a lesser-known side of the infamous Italian dictator’s life. This was Benito’s summer residence. It’s easy to see why a man with his power would spend so much time in such a place. Facing out onto the beach, the beautiful late 19th-century building is a splendid sight.
The villa was built in the 1890s and originally named Villa Margherita. In 1934, however, Mussolini’s wife Donna Rachele Guidi bought the house. She is said to have snuck payments from Fortune magazine for Benito’s essays to make the down payment, as Benito was against the expensive purchase.
Riccione had long been a favorite summer destination for the family. Mussolini was particularly fond of swimming in the sea, which is just outside the house. Imagine the many politicians and history-makers from Italy and beyond who were entertained in this very building during Mussolini’s time in power.
Mussolini’s highly publicized love of Riccione caused the town’s popularity as a tourist destination to soar more than 50 years ago. Visit today to appreciate the legacy of this effect as demonstrated by the high numbers of people who still go on vacation here each year.
The entire house is beautiful. Make sure you walk through the glorious garden, possibly the property’s best feature. See its summery palm trees and exotic flowers as well as pine trees, banana trees and more. The garden’s current splendor is the result of an extensive renovation carried out from the late 1990s through early 2000s.
Various temporary exhibitions, mostly focused on art, are now held within the house. Check the schedule to see what is on before you visit, as the exhibitions change regularly. Find Villa Mussolini on Viale Milano, between the downtown area and the sea. Bring your camera to capture photos of this interesting detail of important world history.
