Mussolini’s summer villa on Italian coast to be a cultural space

The summer residence of Italy’s fascist dictator Benito Mussolini is to be used as a cultural community space featuring exhibitions on history to promote democratic values.Villa Mussolini, situated on the seafront promenade of the seaside resort of Riccione on the Adriatic coast, now belongs to the local council, which spent US$1.3 million to secure the site.The house was built around 1890 in the typical style of holiday homes on the Adriatic coast.The Mussolinis bought it in 1934 and used it as a summer residence. After World War II, the property became state-owned and was subsequently transferred to a foundation.The villa, more than 130 years old, has been used as a cultural and exhibition centre in recent years while owned by the savings bank foundation.Riccione’s council bought the seaside home to prevent it from becoming a site for far-right sympathisers.Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in 1938. Photo: dpa