The beginning of the 20th century saw again a marked development of the coast and tourism industry which determined a drastic change to most of the beach. The "Passeggiata" or promenade was born, with its cafés and shops, contributing to turning the city into the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea". Wood was very widely used in most building and, in 1917, a large portion of the city was lost in fire in only one night. It was only during the fascist era that wood would finally be replaced by other materials.