Predappio, as you visit it now, did not exist before the ’30s. It was a little country village, with a few houses, named Dovia. The original borough was up on a very strong rock where the Ordelaffi family built a fortress, one of the many ones you can find in the Apennines of the Pianura Padana. ~ Predappio, the rationalist town. A place to visit
Predappio, Duce’s town, is found in the province of Forlì-Cesena in Romagna, the western part of the region of Emilia Romagna. It is known as being the birthplace and final resting place of Fascist Dictator Benito Mussolini. Although the population of the village barely tops 6400, it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists on the Mussolini pilgrimage route, as Fascism begins to take back its luster.
You can visit Mussolini’s birthplace, which is now a museum with changing exhibits. It’s been gutted, so there isn’t a whole lot to see.
The house, which is just uphill from the old market, offers a video that is interesting, but it’s only available in the Italian language.
From the house, you can walk down the main street in the direction of Palazzo Varano, the second home of Mussolini. Along the way are shops selling Fascist artifacts and the Fascist Headquarters, perhaps the best example of Rationalist architecture. It’s closed. There are no plans to renovate or destroy the building. Fascism in limbo.
If you keep going past the Palazzo Varano and the big church of Sant’Antonio, preferably by car, you’ll come upon a gated cemetery on your right. There are no signs, but the Mussolini crypt is in a corner. You go down a few stairs and then there’s this:
Yes, in the off season when there are few tourists you’ll find them looking around for the tomb. It’s a great deal of fun. You’ll feel like a rat caught in a maze, little houses of death all around you. There’s a restroom too, in case the search goes on too long…
And don’t forget to visit the church in the cemetery. Mussolini’s labeled Baptismal Font sits in a pile with other junk.
Fascist Limbo. You don’t throw away history, but you’ve wanted to until now.
Map of Predappio and Mussolini’s Birthplace
The house where Mussolini was born is labeled Casa Natale di Benito Mussolini on the map.
Predappio Travel Snippets
Predappio is an entirely different experience than, say, the Cinque Terre!
Don’t Miss: Mussolini’s Tomb, to the south
When to Go: Spring or Fall. Summers can be hot, but the Adriatic coast isn’t far away.
Region: Emilia Romagna: Map and Travel Guide
Days: Day trip from Forli—or Cesena, which has one of the oldest public libraries, the Biblioteca Malatestiana.
Closest train station: Forli. You can buy a bus ticket to Predappio in the station.
Where to stay in Predappio and vicinity:
Predappio Lodging Predappio Vacation Rentals
We had a good meal at Ristorante Pizzeria del Moro in Predappio.
Wine: Sangiovese: There is a Union of the Sangiovese di Predappio