During the Fascist period, stimulated by a strong propaganda which used any media to frame the holidays of the Mussolini family, the
new villas that
noble families from Romagna built by the sea amidst charming tree-lined avenues inaugurated the new town layout of the city of Riccione, the so-called “garden city".
Well-preserved period photos and postcards depict a seaside resort surrounded by a lush vegetation which gradually eclipsed the fame of the most renowned nearby tourist destinations.
In 1931 the city was able to provide 34.685 tourists comfortable accommodation. Twin-hull pleasure boats and the colourful bathing huts and beach umbrellas which livened up the first local bathing establishments became the symbol of holidays in Riccione.
Only two years later, in 1933, 84 hotels were established (among which the famous Savioli Hotel and Hotel des Bains) and accommodation facilities were able to provide hospitality to up to 3801 people.
After the end of World War II, Riccione became a glamorous seaside resort, the summer catwalk of VIPs, famous actors and popular singers.
It was as if a new Saint Tropez had blossomed on the Adriatic Coast and Riccione became the stage of the so-called "dolce vita" from Romagna, attracting plenty of paparazzi who lived day and night following characters such as Gina Lollobrigida, Fred Bongusto, Walter Chiari, Vittorio Gassman, Ugo Tognazzi, Vittorio de Sica, Alberto Sordi, Rita Pavone and Mina.
From the end of the Sixties, this fashionable atmosphere has accompanied the great migration from the industrial towns to the sea.
