Italian Comune Italian Comune Less   to get instant updates
about 'Riccione' on your MyPage. Meet other similar minded
people. Its Free!   All Updates    The oldest archaeological
findings in Riccione's area date to the 2nd century BC, although
it was most likely settled in advance. At the time of the Roman
Republic, it was known as Vicus Popilius and a bridge over the
Rio Melo river. After an obscurity period, in 1260 it was
acquired by the Agolanti family, connected to the lords of
Rimini, the Malatesta. In the 17th century some watchtowers were
built on the seaside against assaults by pirates.  Origins of
the tourist fame of Riccione date to the late 19th century,
mostly spurred by the construction of residences by rich
Bolognese people. In the 1930s there were some 30,000 tourists a
year, with some 80 hotels existing. Benito Mussolini had a villa
built here in 1934.  After World War II, tourist flow was
further increased by its choosing as vacation resort by numerous
famous people, such as Pelè, Mina, Ugo