Rocca delle Caminate is a medieval castle located in Meldola, around 7 miles (11 km) from Predappio in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.[1]: 99 It functioned as the summer home of Benito Mussolini, who was born in Predappio.
The Rocca delle Caminate was built in the 10th century, most likely on the site of a Roman fort.[2]
In 1927, the castle was donated to Benito Mussolini.[1]: 99 It was then renovated by interior designer Guido Malagola Cappi.[3]: 78 The external renovations included the addition of a lighthouse, which shone a powerful light whenever the Italian leader was present.[2]
It was here that Mussolini, during a brief sojourn in March 1933, composed the first version of the Four-Power Pact.[4]
It became Mussolini's summer residence in the area and he held meetings with dignitaries during World War II, such as Romanian Foreign Minister Mihai Antonescu, while staying there.[5]: 652 The castle was also used as a site of torture, with members of the Italian resistance movement being beaten or killed there.[2] At the end of the war, it was partly destroyed by Allied troops in search of treasure, with the rest of the furniture being removed by locals.[6]
Following the war and Mussolini's death, his widow Rachele made efforts to sell the castle.[7]
Calls have been made for the castle's lighthouse to be restored to attract visitors, and Meldola mayor Gian Luca Zattini suggested parts of the castle be converted into a restaurant. The project was approved by the local government in 2017, but some critics suggested it could become a pilgrimage point for modern Fascists and seen as a celebration of Mussolini.[2]