“Mer***” someone scrawled across the faces. This act of vandalism targeted the Murales Antifascisti in the Ortica district. The mural honors those persecuted during the Ventennio, the two decades of Fascist rule. The association OrMe, Ortica Memoria di Milano, reported the hateful defacement.
The Murales Antifascisti is a powerful symbol. It depicts ten people who bravely resisted Fascism. These figures include Monsignor Giovanni Barbareschi. There is also Beata Suor Enrichetta Alfieri. Elena Rasera is on the mural along with Claudia Ruggerini. Carlo Venegoni and Nedo Fiano are also depicted. Luigi Pestalozza, Thelma Hauss De Finetti, Carlo Bianchi, and Mino Steiner are also honored. The artistic collective Orticanoodles created the mural. It was done with the support of the city. It is part of the Ortica Memoria project. This initiative uses art to remember and engage the community.
Serafino Sorace is the president of OrMe. He expressed dismay at the vandalism. He noted such acts have occurred before. He worries about a political climate that tolerates anti-antifascism. OrMe remains committed to preserving historical memory. They aim to educate new generations. They refuse to be intimidated.
Another Murales Antifascisti exists in Milan. This one stands on Via Plezzo. It commemorates the centenary of the March on Rome. The event marked Fascism’s rise to power. This mural features seven prominent antifascists. Sandro Pertini is among them. So is Altiero Spinelli.
The Via Plezzo mural is one of Milan’s largest. Orticanoodles also created this artwork in collaboration with OrMe. ANPPIA and the City of Milan also helped. The mural adorns the facade of a 1960s building. It houses Poste Italiane.
Besides Pertini and Spinelli, the mural honors other key figures. Umberto Terracini is there. He was the President of the Constituent Assembly. Teresa Noce is also depicted. She was a partisan and communist. Camilla Ravera, a senator for life, is also shown. Giuseppe Di Vittorio also appears. He was a trade unionist and parliamentarian. Teresa Mattei is also featured. She was the youngest member of the Constituent Assembly.
Anna Scavuzzo is the Deputy Mayor of Milan. She spoke at the inauguration. She emphasized the Ortica district’s historical importance. It is a place where the memory of freedom and democracy lives on. Tommaso Sacchi, Milan’s Culture Councillor, also spoke. He described Ortica as a museum neighborhood. He praised the murals. They tell stories of lives and ideals. They highlight Milan’s role as a creative center.
ANPPIA chose the figures for the Via Plezzo mural. This association preserves the history of antifascism. It promotes democratic values. Walter Contipelli of Orticanoodles explained the symbolism. Flowers surround the portraits. They represent remembrance and hope.
These Murales Antifascisti serve as vital reminders. They connect past struggles with present-day values. They ensure that the spirit of resistance lives on in Milan. They inspire future generations to stand up for freedom and justice.