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THE POTEMKIN STAIRS
Built in 1837 and site of the famous baby carriage scene in Eisenstein's "Battleship Potemkin", the Potemkin Steps (Потёмкинская Лестница) are the best place in the city to view the bay and busy harbours. Walk along the yellow-bricked Primorskij Boulevard and note monuments to Aleksander I, Russian generals and a British frigate which was grounded off shore during the Crimean War. At the bottom of the steps is the city's brand new Passenger Ship Terminal and the convention center. Originally the stairs had 200 steps, today there are only 192 steps. Eight lower steps were buried when the foundation of the port was extended. The stairs possess some ingenous optical illusions. If looking down the stairs a person can only see the landings. On either side are parapets which seem parallel. This was created by gradually widening the stairways downwards. The top stair is 12.5 meters (41 feet) and the bottom step is 21.6 meters (70.8 feet). From the base of the stairs, a person can only see the stairs, and cannot see the landings. The stairway appears longer than it is in reality.
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THE HARBOUR OF ODESSA
Odessa's port is both the city's pulse and its cash flow. Many of Odessa's residents make their living in some way through the sea. The best way to see Odessa is from the sea. At the beginning of the 20th century, ships had to drop anchor in the bay and their passengers and cargo were ferried by boat to the coast. The port was rebuilt twice, after the first and second world wars. After only five years after the end of the second world war, the port had been completely rebuilt and had reached its pre-war levels of cargo turnover. During the Soviet Union, the Odessa Port was home to the world's largest shipping company, Black Sea Shipping Line. Odessa Seaport handled one third of all cargo passing into the former Soviet Union, had eleven ports, and about 300 passenger and cargo ships. In the early 1950's the port meets its maximum capacity, but it was unable to expand further. South of the port were beaches and sanatoriums. North of the port was industrial business. To solve this problem, a new port - Ilichyovsk - was built 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of Odessa in 1958. The port is bigger than Odessa and has longer and deeper wharfs. At one point, Ilichyovsk surpassed Odessa in cargo turnover and became the largest port in the Soviet Union. The port can handle up to 3,000 passengers a day and allow 5 - 7 passenger ships to drop anchor simultaneously. There are trips to Istanbul, Turkey, through the port, several times every week.
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THE ARCHITECTURE OF ODESSA
Odessa is simply charming with its splendid architecture.
Some buildings display a mixture of different and distinct styles of architecture typical to the French, Russian styles, some buildings are built in Art Nouveau style, which was in vogue in the early 19th century.
Classical architecture combines perfectly with wide streets, surrounded by green space, which gives the city an air of elegance.
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ODESSA: THE STATUE OF DUKE DE RICHELIEU
Duke Armand Emmanual Richelieu was Odessa's first mayor. Legend has it that the Duke wanted to build a new city as beautiful as his native Paris. The Duke was born in Paris to an aristocratic family in 1776. The Duke emigrated from France during the French revolution, settling in Russia. In 1790 he joined the Russian Army in the Crimean war against Turkey, where he met De Ribas. After the war he went back to France but soon he returned to Russia and reenlisted in the Russian Army. Czar Alexander appointed Richelieu governor of the Novarussia (New Russia) Area, which included Odessa, on January 27, 1803. He was the governor of Odessa between 1803-1814. During his governership, the first educational systems were established and the first museum was built (the Archeological Museum). In 1812 an epidemic plague enveloped the city and one fifth of the population died, Richelieu visited infirmaries and helped bury the dead. At the end of his service Richelieu reported to the emperor that the population had grown five times in ten years to 35,000 and that trade turnover had reached 25 million rubles. When Napoleon was exiled to Elba in 1914, the Duke ended his service to Odessa and returned to France. Odessites loved their first mayor. When Richelieu left Odessa on September 27 (1814), 5,000 people followed his carriage, almost the entire city saw him off. The Duke then served twice as Prime Minister of France.
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THE CRIMEAN WAR CANNON IN ODESSA
Facing the sea stands a Crimean war cannon, a Russian war trophy seized from the British. In 1904 it was mounted on a granite pedestal to mark the 50th anniversary of the defense of Odessa during the Crimean War. The 1853-1856 Crimean War was against Russia and Turkey. Turkey's allies were France and England, who blocked the Black Sea coast. On April 8th 1854, thirty-two French and British ships sailed to Odessa. The ships demanded the surrender of the city. Odessa ignored this demand. On April 10th, over 350 naval guns opened fire on Odessa. The defending garrison was small and only had 48 small cannons. Only one small battery under Ensign Stcheglov's command were engaged in the battle. Despite the mistakes of the Odessa defenses, the French and English were unable to land their forces. For six hours the Odessa garrison and the naval ships fought. The ships were forced to move away from the coast, and three ships were left to patrol the coast. One of these ships was one of the best naval vessel of the time, the British steam frigate "Tiger". On the foggy morning of April 30th, the Tiger ran around near Arcadia, and was shelled by coastal artillery. The crew was taken prisoner and the frigate was set on fire. The crew got so accustomed to Odessa, where they were welcomed with the best restaurants and bars, that they returned to England with reluctance. In 1904 divers lifted two of the guns, which were given to the city, one of them being set up on the boulevard.
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ODESSA CITY COUNCIL
Doomskaya Square 1 (Думская Площадь)
This building was built from 1829 to 1834, designed by Franz Karlowicz Boffo in Russian classic style. Formerly this square was called the Birzjevaya (stock exchange) because this building housed Odessa's first stock exchange. From 1871-1873 the architect F. O. Morandi redesigned it. Formerly the building had two wings at either end of the central part, forming an open courtyard. It was separated from the square by a double line of Corninthian columns. Later this courtyard was closed in by a wall to create a grand entrance hall, which can still be seen at the entrance. Later another wing facing the sea was added. When the stock exchange was moved in 1899 to the location of today's Philharmonic Theater, the city authorities used this building. The square was renamed Doomskaya (city council).
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THE STATUE OF LAOCOON IN ODESSA
An interesting sculptural ensemble of Laocoon is located in front of the Archeological Museum. This is a replica of the sculpture created by Agesander, Athenodorus and Polydorus in 125 BC, unearthed in Rome in 1508 and now in the Vatican. It depicts old Laocoon and two of his sons being stifled by a huge snake. The sculpture illustrates a famous Greek legend. In Greek mythology, Laocoon is a priest of Apollo who warned the Trojans that the wooden horse left at the gates of the city by the Greeks was a rueful device to trick the Trojans. While he and his two sons were sacrificing to Poseidon at the seashore, two serpents came from the water and crushed them. The Trojans interpreted this event as a sign of the gods’ disapproval of Laocoon’s prophecy, and they brought the wooden horse into the city. Subsequent events vindicated Laocoon’s judgment, however, since the horse was filled with Greeks, who waited until night and then sacked Troy. This statue shows Laocoon and his sons in their death struggle.
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THE STATUE OF EMPRESS CATHERINE THE GREAT IN ODESSA
In Odessa there was restored the monument of the Russian Empress Catherine the Great.
This is not a new monument of the Empress of Russia.
The current set of the restored statue embodies in the smallest details the monument raised in 1900.
It was created with the money of the people of Odessa as a token of gratitude from the city to the Empress.
Remember that Catherine II signed a decree founding the new city in 1794!
The town was named Odessa as here there was earlier a Greek colony. The monument is made in bronze.
In the composition, Catherine' statue is surrounded by figures representing men and masters of upper Russia.
The monument is built in Empire style.
The sculptural composition has a height of 11 meters.
As it was now almost one hundred years, the monument to the Russian Empress was raised again in downtown Odessa, in Ekaterinskaia Square.
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I COULD KISS THE STONES ON DERIBASOVSKAYA
Deribasovskaya Street is the heart of Old Odessa, with shops ranging from the government meat store to the Levis outlet.
During fair weather, Deribasovskaya is the best sight for the people watching, especially if you stop at one of the numerous cafes with outdoor seating; but after September, the wise go indoors.
The City Park (Gorsad) near Preobrazhenskaya Street boasts dozens of craftsmen, strollers and musicians.
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THE FAMOUS DERIBASOVSKAYA STREET IN ODESSA
Deribasovskaya (Ukrainian: Дерибасiвська, Russian: Дерибасовская) is a pedestrian street in the heart of Odessa. The street is named after José de Ribas, who helped build the city, and even lived on the street. Here there is the oldest park in Odessa, founded by de Ribas brothers - a place of promenade with a kiosk for the brass bands to play, with sculptures representing a lion and a lioness with her cuffs, a chair that remembers the famous play "The 12 Chairs" etc.
Deribasovskaya stretches from the Polskaya Street to Preobrazhenskaya and Sadovaya Street and crosses the boulevards Pushkinskaya, Rishelyevskaya, Ekaterininskaya, Gavannaya Alley and Vice-Admiral Zhukov.
Elegance, charm, history, shopping and restaurants, animation - this is the Deribasovskaya Street.
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THE PRIMORSKY BOULEVARD IN ODESSA
Primorsky Boulevard is a shady seaside promenade with many historic landmarks and interesting monuments. Here Odessites sit on the shady benches, enjoy the sea breeze, and gaze at the panorama of the bay.
The architectural ensemble of Primorsky Boulevard attests to the highest standards of the Odessa architects. Designed as the compositional pivot of the city, the Boulevard runs along the sea line.
The middle section of the Boulevard is occupied by the semi-circular square with the monument to A. E. Richelieu in the centre.
The buildings of the former stock exchange and the Vorontsov Palace terminate the Boulevard on each end to form an integral balanced whole.
The architectural rhythm of Primorsky Boulevard, enhanced by horizontal terraces, is interrupted by the vertical line of the grandiose stairs terraces which were given the name of Potemkin.
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THE ODESSA OPERA THEATRE
The Odessa Opera Theatre (Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater, Russian: Одесский Государственный Академический театр Оперы и Балета) - is located in the very heart of Odessa, Ukraine. After the Potemkin Stairs, it is the most famous edifice in Odessa. A visitor to Odessa will inevitably hear Odessites boast that the opera theater is the second best opera theater in the world, next to the Stadt Opera in Vienna.
Theaters throughout Europe always had problems with fire. The theater architects recognized this, and designed the theater with aisles that led directly, from the center to the exits. Stairways led to the exits from each of the tiers. The theater has twenty emergency exits. This is why the facade is horseshoe-shaped with an arched gateway over the hall.
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THE PALACE OF COUNT VORONTZOV IN ODESSA
At the west end of the Primorsky Boulevard is the Count Vorontsov Palace and the Grecian Colonnades which overlooks the harbor and also provides a fine view of the bay. The Count Vorontsov Palace and the Colonnades were built from 1824 to 1827, designed by F. K. Boffo. Before the Soviet Revolution, the palace was owned by Count Mikhail S. Vorontsov, the governor of the Odessa region. In 1936 the palace became the children's palace for young pioneers. After the war, it was named in memory of the sixteen-year-old Young Communist League member Yakov Gordienko.
The Palace and the Colonnades are built in Russian classic style. Each facade of the palace is unique. The side facing the boulevard and the Black Sea has a four-column porch with Ionic columns. The entrance side has a walkway with Doric columns. The ten column crescent colonnades are separated from the palace and stand on a precipice, providing a panoramic view of the entire bay and the industrial port., being also a symbol of PORTO FRANCO status of Odessa.
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THE CATACOMBS OF ODESSA
Rome has its famous catacombs and so does Paris. But the city with the largest network of underground tunnels is undoubtedly Odessa, Ukraine.
Its 2,500 kilometers eclipses the 300 kilometers found in Rome and the 500 kilometers in Paris.
Get lost here and you'll be eating rats until you die a dark lonely death...
The catacombs were mostly created during the construction of the city as early engineers mined them for construction material. They were used for various purposes over the years and as a base for the partisans during World War II.
Today, a small portion of the tunnels remains open to the public as a museum dedicated to the partisan efforts. The museum wound through a short section of the tunnels and displays some random WW II weapons stuffed into cubbyholes and dummies dressed up in partisan costumes.
The remaining 2,499 kilometers, however, are an alluring attraction if you can ditch the tour and find your way in.
Bring plenty of bread crumbs to find your way out, however.
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ODESSA: AQUA PARK POSEIDON
Aqua Park Poseidon is the largest in Ukraine. It is a building of 4 floors of steel and glass, with many pools.
The attractions of the park, located on the periphery of Odessa, near the sea, makes it worth a visit.
Are you brave enough to fight the dragon coil tubes or to throw into a black hole?
You have or do not have the guts or whatever .. you will have a wonderful day here.
The cafe and the restaurant here are excellent.
Fun is guaranteed.
Entry is 60 UAH for 3 hours.
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ODESSA HIPPODROME
Where else can you find a track filled with beat down, raggedy characters smoking cheap Moldovan "papirosi", shouting Russian obscenities at the horses over 1 UAH bets? At Odessa's Hippodrome of course. All jokes aside though, the Hippodrome can provide a solid half a day's worth of entertainment as it occasionally features Soviet made auto races and various other forms of racing aside from horses.
Best start at 1 UAH and follow the standard Russian Hippodrome system which you will just have to figure out on your own.
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ODESSA CIRCUS
Just a few minutes walk away from Deribasovkaya Street, sits an outstanding building which is home to Odessa's Circus.
Built in 1894, the original building is home to nightly performances for kids and adults alike.
Odessa's circus can hold up to 2300 people and features nightly shows displaying everything from animal acts to clumsy clowns.
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ODESSA ZOO
Odessa's Zoo is uniquely located in the absolute center of the city, right next to Privoz and just a short walk away from the main train station. Animal collection is quite extensive for Ukraine, with over 200 different animals and the only zoo in all of Ukraine which is home to Indian elephants. One of the new elephant addition has even been appropriately been named "the Duke". Separate sections of the zoo is home to its wide variety of birds as well as exhibition of wild insects. The premises contain a large cafe which even has outdoor seatings close to the animals during the summer. The zoo is open all year around, with summer hours from 9 am to 8 pm and during the winter from 9 am to 5 pm. Cost of admission is only 5 UAH and free for children under 5 years.
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ODESSA DOLPHINARIUM
The biggest dolphinarium in all of the former Soviet Union is now open in Odessa. Along one of the city's biggest beaches sits a dolphin display that rivals most of its peers in Western Europe. This is the only year around open Dolphinarium in all of Ukraine and its retractable roof allows for open area performances in the summer and indoor shows during the winter. Each night features a variety of shows, all involving dolphins as well as sea lions. Certain nights feature laser light shows, theme parties and other interesting displays. Some nights even feature Russian pop bands that often create shows that are synchronized with Dolphin's movements. Services such as swimming with the dolphins, photos with animals and private parties are all available. Dolphinarium Nemo also features a kids cafe as well as souvenir store. Costs usually range from 20 UAH on weeknights and 30 UAH for weekends. Kids get inside at discounted rates.
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THE WHITE FORTRESS (BELGOROD-DNESTROVSKY)
The White Fortress (Belgorod-Dnestrovsky) is one of the most ancient locations on the planet.
It is 2500 years old. It was founded by people who came from the Middle-East town of Milet.
They built it in the mouth of the Tiras River (now the Dniester) and called it Tira.
The Fortress exhibits a set of well-known monuments of historical importance.
This architectural achievement of Medieval Defense is a sight to see.
Location: 30 miles from Odessa.
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ODESSA CITY TOUR
A tour of this impressive town with Parisienne atmosphere.
In this tour you will visit historical monuments and places, like the wide boulevards Pushkinskaya, Rishelievskaya, Lanzhronovskaya, Franzusky and Primorsky, Potemkin Stairs and, of course, the most famous street of Odessa - Deribasovskaya. You will see the Black Sea from the famous beach Arkadia. Also, you will see architectural jewels such as Theater of Opera and Ballet and the monument dedicated to Duke of Richelieu, Shakh's Palace, and the parks etc... Do not miss the modern shopping centers ... Odessa tour is done by car or pedestrian. The duration of such a tour (by car) is around 3 hours.
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VILKOVO - VENICE OF UKRAINE
Visit to Vilkovo - a foray into the fascinant Danubian landscape.
Vilkovo is often called the Venice of the Danube and probably there is nowhere else in Ukraine such a place - home of the Lipovans. In fact, Vilkovo is a village built with cane sugar. People have chosen this place to live, thanks to its position on the banks of the Danube River. They managed to snatch a little bit less of the Danube in order to build houses and gardens. The age of this site is over 250 years.
The town was built with bare hands. Instead of the streets there are just water channels.
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ODESSA WEEKEND
You ask yourself what you can do in a weekend? Try something else? What about Odessa? Yes, why not try other beaches and clubs? A stay of 4 days / 3 nights including accommodation in Odessa, buffet style breakfast, bus or flight transportation, Odessa tour, travel by coach in Odessa - beaches, shows, shops, nightclubs...
Main attractions:
Potemkin Stairs, Lanzheron Beach, Nemo Dolphinarium, Deribasovskaya Street, Arkadia Beach, Ibiza Club, Catacombs, White Fortress.
Optional:
1 hour cruise, lunch at the restaurant Kumanets or similar; entrance ticket to Nemo; entry at Ibiza or Vis a Vis night club, the catacombs entrance.
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