CEO of Bulgari Group Jean-Christophe Babin and the Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino launched the work on the conservation and renovation of the Spanish Steps. Aiming at reviving one of the capital’s most famous monuments, the renovation project is also of great importance to the Italian jewelry house, which was agreed upon in March 2014, the year that marks Bulgari’s 130th anniversary.
Built between 1723 and 1726, the Spanish Steps beautifully link the Piazza di Spagna to the slopes of the Pincian Hill. The location soon became a favorite for Romans and tourists who enjoy breathtaking walks. In the 50s, Rome became an open-air cinema set and have been showcasing unforgettable scenes from films that have marked the history of cinema, such as Roman Holiday, Three Girls from Rome and To Rome with Love.
At the end of the 19th century, the house’s founder Sotirio Bulgari chose Via Sistina, which is close to the Steps, to establish himself with his family. In 1884, Bulgari opened his first boutique there and added later two stores in Via Condotti. In 1923, the boutique in no 10 Via Condotti became the only Bulgari store in Rome, with the steps linking it to the Bulgari family home.
“We are delighted to announce the start of work on the renovation of the Spanish Steps, the project Bulgari has chosen to pay tribute to its city to mark its 130th Anniversary, celebrated in 2014. Rome's rich archaeological, artistic and architectural heritage has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our collections; the extraordinary patronage for a monument which represents the heart of our story is yet another expression of the indissoluble bond between Bulgari and the Eternal City,” commented Jean-Christophe Babin.
Mirella Haddad
