Villa Mussolini
| Villa Mussolini | |
|---|---|
Villa Mussolini | |
Villa Mussolini in April 2007 | |
| Former names |
|
| Etymology | Benito Mussolini |
| General information | |
| Status | Completed |
| Address | Viale Milano 31 |
| Town or city | Riccione, Emilia-Romagna |
| Country | Italy |
| Coordinates | 44°0′12.50″N 12°39′36.01″E / 44.0034722°N 12.6600028°E |
| Current tenants | Municipality of Riccione |
| Named for | Benito Mussolini |
| Completed | 1892 |
| Renovated | 1940, 2005 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Ferdinando Mancini |
| Known for | Summer holiday home of the Mussolinis |
| Other information | |
| Public transit access |
|
Villa Mussolini is a seaside villa in Riccione, in Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy.
Built in 1892, the original two-storey villa had thirteen rooms and a side-turret on its south side. In 1934, it was purchased by Rachele Guidi, second wife of Benito Mussolini, Italy's fascist dictator. The Mussolinis used it as a summer holiday home, and expanded the property in 1940, adding an additional floor. During his stays, Mussolini would conduct government business from the villa and host notable guests and foreign dignitaries.
In 1997, the villa – by then called Villa Margherita – was purchased by the Cassa di Risparmio di Rimini, who loaned it to Riccione's municipal government. After a one-million-euro restoration, the villa reopened as Villa Mussolini in 2005. It hosts cultural events and exhibitions, as well as civil wedding ceremonies. The villa's name and use continues to attract local controversy.