Mussolini's Villa to Host Democracy Exhibits

A seaside villa once owned by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini will become a cultural center. Its new purpose is to promote democratic values through historical exhibitions. The local council of Riccione now owns the property, called Villa Mussolini. Officials paid $1.3 million to secure the site on the Adriatic coast resort's promenade. The house was built around 1890. It matches the typical style of holiday homes in the area. The Mussolini family bought it in 1934 and used it as a summer residence. The council plans to transform the villa into a community space. It will host exhibits focused on history to encourage reflection on democratic principles.