Thousands of Italians nostalgic for Benito Mussolini’s dictatorship this summer are lounging on a self-proclaimed “fascist beach club."

The club, where bathing huts are decorated with pictures of Il Duce, signs praise the gas chambers and sunbathers exchange stiff-armed salutes, was brought to light by Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

Police officers from Italy’s Digos anti-terrorist unit, the equivalent of Britain’s Special Branch, raided the “Punta Canna” beach club at the Adriatic resort of Chioggia on Sunday.

They took photos and other evidence at the request of a Venice magistrate, who opened an inquiry after the newspaper brought the far-right enclave to light.