Red Poppies

The name of the Ortica neighbourhood doesn’t come from “nettle” (ortica in Italian), but from “orto,” meaning garden—a reference to its fertile land and the ease of irrigation provided by the nearby Lambro River.

This mural is dedicated to that name, evoking the area’s agricultural roots and the colours of its rural past. Once a small village, Ortica was known for its rich soil, flourishing gardens, and the shimmering fish that once swam in the Lambro—then cleaner and closer to the town.

The red poppies featured in the mural are a powerful symbol of peace, commemorating the victims of the world wars and honouring those who gave their lives for future generations.