“Who was Viktor Sulčič?” you might ask while standing before this plaque. The Stadion – Stadio Viktor Sulčič Plaque commemorates a remarkable architect. He left an indelible mark on the world. Let’s delve into the story of this talented man.
Viktor Sulčič was born in Santa Croce near Trieste in 1895. This area was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He later became an architect with Italian and Argentinian citizenship. Sulčič studied architecture in Florence and Bologna. He then emigrated to Argentina in 1924.
In Argentina, Viktor Sulčič collaborated with José Luis Delpini and Raúl Bes. Together, they created architectural masterpieces in Buenos Aires. Two of their most famous works stand out. One is the Abasto market, completed in 1934. It was transformed into a shopping center in 1999. The other is the Boca Juniors stadium. It is known as La Bombonera and was completed in 1940.
La Bombonera is one of the five iconic football stadiums worldwide. Even Diego Armando Maradona was enchanted by it. The stadium’s nickname came from José Delpini. He compared the stadium to a box of chocolates. He received it as a gift on inauguration day. The design was inspired by the rationalism style. It was similar to the Franchi stadium in Florence.
Viktor Sulčič’s talent extended beyond architecture. He created watercolors of South American landscapes. He also wrote poems in Spanish. Viktor was a versatile artist. He was a painter, poet, and writer.
Viktor Sulčič married Anna Kiselicki. She was a piano teacher from Serbia. They had two sons, Fedor and Héctor Igor Sulčič.
Despite his success abroad, recognition in his homeland was limited. On June 4, 2022, the sports field in Santa Croce was named after him. This Stadio – Stadio Viktor Sulčič Plaque serves as a memorial. It honors his legacy in the place of his birth.
Viktor Sulčič died in Buenos Aires in 1973. He left behind a rich creative legacy. This plaque reminds us of his contributions. It also highlights his journey from Trieste to Argentina. He designed iconic structures. He enriched the world with his art and vision. He deserves to be celebrated.