The Icon That Rests Beyond Rome’s Catholic Walls: Sotirios Bulgari

In the heart of Rome, where the ancient Pyramid of Cestius casts its shadow over the Non-Catholic Cemetery, lies a grave that tells a tale of legacy. This is the final resting place of Sotirios Bulgari, a Greek silversmith whose journey from the mountains of Epirus to the cobblestone streets of Rome resulted in the creation of one of the world’s most renowned luxury brands, Bulgari. 

Born on March 18, 1857, in the village of Paramythia, Epirus, Sotirios Voulgaris (later Italianized to Bulgari) was immersed in a family tradition of silversmithing. His grandfather, Konstantinos, was a street vendor, and instilled in young Sotirios a passion for silversmithing, stated in Greek City Times. One of eleven children, Sotirios was destined for silversmithing, and with his father, opened the first Bulgari jewelry store in their home village, according to Greek City Times.

The village of Paramythia faced repeated devastation due to Ottoman conflicts and local unrest. Fires ravaged the village multiple times, forcing families like the Voulgaris to flee for safety. Despite rebuilding efforts, the instability made it impossible for the family to sustain their silversmithing. Seeking a more secure future, they left Epirus, moving first to Corfu and later to Naples, where crime and theft further disrupted their plans. Determined to succeed, Sotirios eventually settled in Rome in 1881, bringing his craft to the historical city where he would lay the foundation for Bulgari. 

Sotirios arrived in Rome with little more than his silversmithing skills and a resilient spirit. As stated in the Greek City Times, Sotirios worked for a jeweler who sold products outside of the Vatican to tourists and eventually made enough money to open his first store in Rome. By 1884, he had founded his company and opened the shop on Via Sistina in Rome. According to Bulgari, the first era of his creations possessed “Byzantine and Islamic traditions with allegorical, floral and foliate motifs,” which quickly gained attention from the public. Twenty years later, the Via Sistina store was “replaced by the current flagship store in Via dei Condotti,” according to Neo Magazine.  

The Bulgari brand became synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship. In the 1920s, the company began to embrace the Art Deco movement, which incorporated platinum setting and geometric diamond patterns, often paired with vibrant gemstones. This distinctive style attracted a loyal clientele.

Sotirios’ personal life was as rich as his professional endeavors. He married Eleni Baziou, and together they had six children. Two of his sons, Constantino and Giorgio, inherited his passion for jewelry, just as he did from his grandfather. His sons played pivotal roles in expanding the family business. Under their stewardship, Bulgari opened international locations in cities such as New York, Paris, and Geneva, solidifying its status as a global luxury name. 

Sotirios Bulgari, after his death on November 24, 1932, was buried amongst the Mediterranean cypress and pomegranate trees, a tranquil spot that reflects the elegance of his legacy. The serene place of resting, known for its diverse collection of individuals of different faiths and cultural backgrounds, is a testament to Rome’s rich history and culture. 

His legacy lives on, not only through the enduring success of the Bulgari brand but also in the story of a man who, against all odds, carved his name into the history of a foreign land, leaving an untouched mark on the luxury world. 

As you wander through the Non-Catholic Cemetery, the inscription on Sotirios Bulgari’s tomb serves as a reminder: greatness often arises from humble beginnings, and true artistry knows no boundaries.