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Odessa

The populated area, where the city originates from, was mentioned firstly in the Chronicles in 1415 as the Turkish fortress of Khadzhibey. It became a part of Russia as a result of the Russian-Turkish war of 1783. Initially the city (under the name of Odessa since1795) was developing as the sea port and Russia's stronghold on the Black Sea. By the early 20th century, owing to a large extent to its free-port status , Odessa became Russia's third largest industrial and commercial center (after St.Petersburg and Moscow).

It was also one of Russia's most beautiful cities, fascinating newcomers by its magnificent palaces and European-styled buildings. Inhabited by cheerful people speaking a peculiar mixture of Russian, Ukrainian and Jewish, the sunlit Odessa differed greatly from the most cities of Russia of that time. In addition, it was the birthplace of many outstanding cultural workers and writers, which was the object of special pride of city's dwellers.

The city's famous Potjomkin stairway became world-renowned due to the Eizenshtein's screen masterpiece, but there are many more places in Odessa worthy visiting!

Last update: 10.04.2005