Bulgari, or Bvlgari as it is internationally recognized, is reconnecting with its origins in Epirus, Greece, at the small town where its founder, Sotirios Bulgaris, launched his career as a jewelry craftsman in the 19th century.
Talks are underway between Bvlgari and the local authority of the town of Paramythia for the revival of the first shop opened by Sotirios Bulgaris and the establishment of a Bvlgari school and museum on jewelry.
According to a report in Proto Thema, the Mayor of Souli, which includes Paramythia, met with members of the Bulgari family and executives of the famous jewelry house recently in Rome to discuss the plans.
“The Bvlgari school is opening next summer and the revival of the first store of the family opened by Sotirios Voulgaris is in the works,” the mayor, Thanasis Danis told Proto Thema.
He noted that the grand opening will be attended by members of the Bulgari family along with distinguished guests from Greece and abroad.
Bulgari family visits their ancestral village in Greece
In 2023 the Bulgari family visited their ancestral village of Paramythia. Nicola Bulgari, grandson of Sotirios Bulgaris, visited the memorial sites of his ancestors along with younger family members.
Sotirios Bulgaris, the founder of the brand, was born there in 1857 and began his career as a jewelry craftsman.
He later emigrated to Italy, where in 1884 he founded the Bulgari house in Rome, which is now a symbol of global fame in the luxury jewellery and watchmaking world.
Paramythia, built at the foot of the mountains of Epirus, stands out for its traditional architecture, its historical monuments, and its natural beauty.
Its cultural and historical heritage, along with its direct connection with Bulgari, is now being highlighted through a great initiative.
Bulgari family and brand story
Sotirios Voulgaris was one of eleven children and traveled to Italy in 1880 in search of a brighter future with minimal and quite modest resources.
His innate talent for working with precious metals and stones paved the way for profitable ventures before he opened his own jewelry store in 1884.
At the dawn of its existence, Bulgari established itself with silver items inspired by the artistic heritage of Ancient Greece, Rome, and Byzantium. Through dedication and creative expression, Voulgaris laid the foundation for a distinctive brand style marked by impeccable craftsmanship and cultural influences.
After the death of Sotirios in 1932, his sons, Giorgio and Costantino, took over the reins of power, shaping the modern Bulgari identity. The brand has attracted famous personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, and Gina Lollobrigida. Amid decades of success, the brand has achieved stunning growth and established itself as a symbol of luxury and innovation.
In 2017, the brand’s state-of-the-art jewelry manufacturing headquarters emerged in Valenza, Italy, spanning fourteen thousand square meters.
Related: The Greek Jeweler Who Created the Bulgari Fashion Empire
