18th May 1698
The flowers were blooming, the skies were clear and blue, and the weather was turning warmer. May in the Italian Federation is a very special month, a gentle transition between spring and early summer. The Italians even refer to it as the days of fioritura, or simply, the days of blooming.
Flowers like the westernia, hailed as one of the most enchanting blossoms of Venice, especially the purple pesteria that cascaded over courtyard walls, pergolas, and archways, looked magnificent and breathtaking in full bloom. Giving company to the enchanting westernia were the roses, the peonies, the iris, and the foxgloves, each adding its own colour and fragrance to the season.
All of these blooming together gave the capital of the Italian federation, Concordia, a new life.
