The ex-Casa del Fascio in Predappio and the question of the “difficult heritage” of Fascism in contemporary Italy

Simona Storchi

doi:10.1017/mit.2019.8

Abstract

This article focuses on the history and reception of the ex-Casa del Fascio in Predappio, from the end of the Second World War to the current plans for its restoration and reuse as a study centre and a museum of Fascism. Taking into account changes in legislative, political, and cultural contexts, the article proposes an approach to the legacy of Fascist architecture in Italy based not just on its ideological charge, but also on cultural and political shifts, changes in legislation, and the complex relationships between the bodies in charge of the preservation and management of public heritage. The recent plans put forward by the town administration to restore the building and turn it into a museum of Fascism have reopened the debate on the heritage of Fascism and the ex-Casa del Fascio has now become one of the most conspicuous emblems of Italy’s uneasy relationship with its Fascist past and of the problems of dealing with the material legacy of the Fascist regime.

Highlights

In the past few years the long-standing question of the material legacy of the Fascist regime has been the subject of renewed debate in Italy
Sharon Mcdonald asks if difficult heritage is still ‘difficult’ (2015)
The post-war history of the ex Casa del Fascio of Predappio and the controversy surrounding the plans to turn it into a museum of Fascism are evidence that the heritage of Italian Fascism still is

Summary

Introduction

It envisages that the ex Casa del Fascio will be integrated within a broad context of Predappio’s touristic development, encompassing other buildings, such as the Theatre, the casa natale, and the Youth Centre In this context, and with the declared aim of redeeming the town from a ‘stereotypical image that privileged a superficial reading of Mussolini’s historical role and considered nostalgic pilgrimages as an integral appendix to the cultural life of the town’, the proposed functions for the building are an international centre for the study of 20th century history, an archive, a library, educational activities, temporary exhibitions, and a museum devoted to the Fascist dictatorship. The question will be complicated by the end of Giorgio Frassineti’s term as mayor in 2019

Conclusion

Notes on Contributor