At the beginning of the past century, the area where Riccione now stands was a small village revolving around
seaside tourism which then turned into one of the most famous and appreciated tourist centres in Italy and Europe.
The small urban centre extended especially along the coast, thanks to the development of targeted services and entertainment clubs which were beneficial for the expansion of the tourist economy.
This growth, mostly boosted by private initiatives, stimulated the autonomist motivation. The municipality of Rimini has constantly been cited as the cause of widespread concern for the future of the southern area and in Riccione middle-classes began to claim since they saw town's autonomy as the only favourable condition to set its economic and social development.
On August 24, 1922 circumstances forced the setting up of an urban committee which decided to proclaim autonomy. After tough internal strife, the socialist Rimini's town council finally surrendered.
After the fall of the town's council, which was in strong contrast with the pressing violence of the fascist squads, a prefectorial commissioner was given the task of nominating a commission aimed at establishing the borders and properties of the newborn municipality.
However, the real birth of Riccione officially took place on November 4, 1923, when its first elected Major, Silvio Lombardini, took power.
