Odesa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Odesa Одеса Odessa
City
Clockwise from top left: Vorontsov Lighthouse; Monument to the Duc de Richelieu; Potemkin Stairs; Square de Richelieu; Opera and Ballet Theatre; and city garden
Flag Coat of arms Logo
Odesa Location in Odesa Oblast Show map of Odesa Oblast Odesa Location in Ukraine Show map of Ukraine
Country	Ukraine
Oblast	Odesa Oblast
Raion	Odesa Raion
Hromada	Odesa urban hromada
First mentioned	19 May 1415
Area
• City	162.42 km2 (62.71 sq mi)
• Metro	3,656 km2 (1,412 sq mi)
Elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Highest elevation	65 m (213 ft)
Lowest elevation	−4.2 m (−14 ft)
Population  (2022)
• City	1,010,537
• Rank	3rd in Ukraine
• Density	6,221.75/km2 (16,114.3/sq mi)
• Metro	1,378,490
Demonym(s)	English: Odesan, Odesite, Odessan, Odessite Ukrainian: одесит, одеситка Russian: одессит, одесситка
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal codes	65000–65480
Area code(s)	+380 48
Website	www.omr.gov.ua/en/
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name: The Historic Centre of Odesa
Type:	Cultural
Criteria:	ii, iv
Designated:	2023 (18th extraordinary World Heritage Committee session)
Reference #:	1703
UNESCO region:	Europe
Endangered:	2023–

Odesa (also spelled Odessa) is a major city and port in Ukraine. It is the third largest city in the country. Odesa is located in the southwest of Ukraine, right on the northwestern coast of the Black Sea. It is an important center for transport and culture. As of January 2021, about 1,010,537 people lived in Odesa.

In ancient times, a large Greek settlement was here around 6th century BC. The first time a Slavic port called Kotsiubijiv was mentioned was in 1415. It was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Later, the Ottoman Empire took control in 1529, calling it Hacibey. In 1794, Catherine the Great, the Russian empress, ordered a navy harbor and trading place to be built here. It was soon named Odesa. From 1819 to 1858, Odesa was a special "free port" where trade was easier. During the 19th century, Odesa became the fourth largest city in the Russian Empire. Its buildings look more like those from the Mediterranean region than typical Russian styles. They were influenced by French and Italian designs.

Odesa has a warm-water port, meaning it doesn't freeze in winter. This is very important for trade. The city has two main ports: the Port of Odesa and Pivdennyi Port. These ports are big transport hubs connected to railways. They also have oil and chemical facilities linked to pipelines that go to Russia and other European countries. In 2000, a part of Odesa's port became a free economic zone for 25 years. This means businesses there get special benefits.

Understanding the Name Odesa

• [Odesa or Odessa] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help) /oʊˈdɛsə/
• Ukrainian: Одеса [oˈdɛsɐ]
• Russian: Одесса [ɐˈdʲes(ː)ə]

Odesa is sometimes called the "Pearl by the Sea" or the "Southern Capital." It's also known as "Odesa-mama" and the "Humour Capital."

In 1795, the city was named Odesa. This name was chosen to honor an ancient Greek city called Odessos. This ancient city was thought to be located nearby. The traditional English spelling was "Odessa," which came from the Russian name. However, after Ukraine became independent in 1991, the spelling "Odesa" became the official international way to write the name. This matches the Ukrainian language.

Exploring Odesa's Past

Early Settlements and Ancient Times

The remains of an ancient Greek settlement (under the glass roof) on Prymorskyi Boulevard in Odesa

Odesa was home to a large Greek settlement as early as the 6th century BC. Archeologists have found many artifacts that show strong connections between the Odesa area and the eastern Mediterranean.

During the Middle Ages, different groups ruled the Odesa region. These included nomadic tribes, the Golden Horde, the Crimean Khanate, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and the Ottoman Empire. A fortress called Khadjibey was located here. It was first mentioned in 1415 when a ship sailed from there to Constantinople.

Odesa's Founding and Growth

A map of Odesa in 1794

A map of Odesa in 1814

In 1789, Russian forces took control of Khadjibey during a war with the Ottoman Empire. A Spanish officer named José de Ribas helped in this victory. Today, the main street in Odesa, Deribasivska Street, is named after him.

In 1794, Empress Catherine the Great ordered a new navy harbor and trading port to be built at Khadjibey. The city was carefully planned by engineers. In 1795, Khadjibey was officially renamed Odesa.

Ivan Martos's statue of the Duc de Richelieu in Odesa

The city grew quickly, thanks to leaders like the Duc de Richelieu. He was the city's governor from 1803 to 1814. He helped design the city and set up its services. A bronze statue of him was put up in 1828.

In 1819, Odesa became a free port, which helped its trade grow even more. This status lasted until 1859. Odesa attracted people from many different backgrounds. This included Albanians, Armenians, Greeks, Italians, Jews, Poles, Russians, and Ukrainians. This mix of cultures made Odesa a very unique and diverse city.

Odesa in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

In the mid-19th century Odesa became a resort town famed for its popularity among the Russian upper classes. This popularity prompted a new age of investment in the building of hotels and leisure projects.

By the early 1900s Odesa had become a large, thriving city, complete with European architecture and electrified urban transport.

Odesa's growth was briefly stopped by the Crimean War (1853–1856). But it soon recovered and became Russia's largest port for exporting grain. In 1866, the city was connected by railway to other major cities like Kyiv.

The city had a large Jewish community in the 19th century. However, this community faced difficult times, including events where people attacked Jewish neighborhoods. Many Jewish people left Odesa after 1882, with some moving to Palestine.

Odesa also had a large Italian community. They greatly influenced the city's culture, art, and architecture. The famous Potemkin Stairs and the Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater were built with their help. For a time, Italian was the second official language in Odesa.

Revolution and Soviet Era

Bolshevik troops entering Odesa

In 1905, there was a workers' uprising in Odesa. The crew of the Russian battleship Potemkin supported it. The famous film Battleship Potemkin shows a scene on the Potemkin Stairs. This scene, though not entirely accurate to history, made the stairs very famous.

After the October Revolution in 1917, Odesa saw many changes. Different groups fought for control of the city during the Russian Civil War. Eventually, the Soviet Red Army took control by 1920. The people of Odesa suffered from a severe famine in 1921–1922.

Odesa in World War II

A Soviet gun crew in action at Odesa in 1941

During World War II, Odesa was attacked by Romanian and German troops in August 1941. The city's defense lasted for 73 days. A famous female sniper, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, fought in the battle for Odesa.

Soldier reading the announcement of Opera House in Odesa during the Romanian occupation in 1942. The name of the city in Romanian is spelled as Odesa with one letter 's'.

The city fell to the Axis powers on October 16, 1941. It was then controlled by Romania. Many people in Odesa, especially Jewish residents, suffered greatly during this time. The city was finally freed by the Red Army on April 10, 1944. Odesa was one of the first four Soviet cities to be given the title of "Hero City" in 1945.

Odesa After World War II

Ships at anchor in Odesa – the USSR's largest port, 1960

After the war, Odesa continued to grow. Many Jewish people from Odesa moved to Israel and other countries between the 1970s and 1990s. Despite this, the city's population grew with new people moving in from other parts of the Soviet Union.

The city is currently undergoing a phase of widespread urban restoration: Russov House in 2020.

Odesa kept its unique mix of cultures. The way people spoke Russian in Odesa, with a special accent, became famous. This "Odesa dialect" was often used in jokes and comedy shows.

Odesa in Independent Ukraine

In 1991, Odesa Oblast voted for Ukraine's independence. Odesa remains a city of over 1 million people. Its main industries include shipbuilding, oil refining, and food processing. It is also an important naval base. The city is known for its huge outdoor market, the Seventh-Kilometer Market. This is one of the largest markets in Europe.

In 2014, Odesa saw some clashes between different groups. On May 2, 2014, some protests led to violence and a building fire, resulting in deaths.

In 2022, during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Odesa faced missile attacks. On April 23, 2022, Russian troops bombed military and residential buildings, causing deaths and injuries.

On January 25, 2023, UNESCO declared Odesa's historic city center a World Heritage Site. It was also added to the List of World Heritage in Danger to help protect it during the ongoing conflict.

Odesa's Location and Environment

Where is Odesa Located?

The Vorontsov Lighthouse in the Gulf of Odesa. The city is located on the Black Sea.

Odesa is located in southern Ukraine, on the northwestern coast of the Black Sea. It's about 31 kilometers (19 miles) north of the Dniester River's mouth. The city sits on hills that overlook a small harbor. The average height of the city is about 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level.

The city covers an area of about 162.42 square kilometers (62.71 square miles). The Dniester River provides the city with its drinking water. The area around Odesa is mostly flat, with no large mountains. Odesa is famous for its tree-lined streets.

Odesa's location on the Black Sea coast has helped it become a popular tourist spot. Arkadia Beach is a large sandy beach south of the city center. Odesa's sandy beaches are special in Ukraine, as many other coastal areas have rocky beaches.

The cliffs along the coast near the city sometimes have landslides. City planners work to keep buildings safe from these changes. Also, there are many tunnels and caves underground, which can sometimes cause buildings to collapse.

A panoramic view of central Odesa, as seen from the Black Sea

Odesa's Climate and Weather

Odesa has a climate with hot summers and relatively mild, dry winters. This climate is great for summer tourism. In the past, wealthy people visited Odesa for its healthy climate. This led to the growth of spas and luxury hotels.

The average sea temperature is 13–14°C (55–57°F) annually. From June to September, the sea temperature in Odesa's bay is usually above 20°C (68°F).

Winters are cold but milder than in most of Ukraine. Temperatures rarely drop below -10°C (14°F). Summers are warm with more rain, and temperatures often reach the high 20s and low 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Snowfall is usually light. The harbor rarely freezes.

Who Lives in Odesa?

Diverse Backgrounds of Odesa's Residents

Historic ethnic and national composition of Odesa

Odesa is home to many different nationalities and ethnic groups. These include Albanians, Armenians, Bulgarians, Greeks, Jews, Poles, Romanians, and Turks. Until the early 1940s, the city had a large Jewish population. After World War II, many Jewish people moved away.

For most of the 19th century, Russians were the largest ethnic group in Odesa, followed by Jews. According to the 2001 Ukrainian census, Ukrainians make up the largest group today (61.6%). Russians are the second largest (29%).

Languages Spoken in Odesa

Distribution of the population of the city of Odesa by native language according to the 2001 census:

In 2021, a survey showed that 96% of Odesa's residents spoke some Russian at home. 29% spoke some Ukrainian at home. Many people speak both languages. The use of Ukrainian is growing in popularity. A 2023 survey showed that 42% of people in Odesa Oblast now speak Ukrainian at home.

Odesa's Cityscape and Architecture

A panoramic view of Prymorsky Boulevard, at the top of the Potemkin Stairs

The Italian baroque facade of the Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater. It was started with the important contribution of the Italians of Odesa

Many of Odesa's buildings have a unique Mediterranean style. This is different from other Ukrainian cities. Architects like Francesco Boffo designed many important buildings in the early 19th century. These include a palace for the Governor and the Potocki Palace.

One of the city's most famous buildings is the Opera and Ballet Theatre. It was finished in 1887 and is known as one of the world's finest opera houses. Its luxurious hall is built in the rococo style. People say that even a whisper on stage can be heard anywhere in the hall.

Odesa's most famous symbol is the Potemkin Stairs. This huge staircase creates an optical illusion. From the top, you only see large steps. From the bottom, all the steps seem to blend into one big shape. The original 200 steps were designed by Francesco Boffo and built between 1837 and 1841. The stairs became famous because of the film Battleship Potemkin.

Most of Odesa's old houses were built from limestone mined nearby. The abandoned mines were later used by smugglers. This created a giant network of tunnels under Odesa, known as the Odesa catacombs. During World War II, these catacombs were used as hiding places for fighters and civilians.

Derybasivska Street is a beautiful pedestrian street. It's named after José de Ribas, one of Odesa's founders. In summer, people enjoy sitting at outdoor cafes or walking along the cobblestone street. Prymorsky Bulvar is another grand street with many impressive buildings.

Odesa's port is one of the busiest on the Black Sea. It handles cargo, oil, and passengers all year round. The port is protected by breakwaters, so weather doesn't stop its work.

Odesa has many different religious buildings. These include the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral, the Catholic Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, and the Brodsky Synagogue. There are also historic cemeteries.

In late 2022, a monument to the founders of Odesa, which included a statue of Catherine the Great, was moved to the Odesa Fine Arts Museum.

Parks and Gardens to Explore

A park at Prymorskiy prospekt in Odesa

Odesa has many public parks and gardens. These include Preobrazhensky, Gorky, and Victory parks. The city also has a university botanical garden.

The City Garden is one of the most famous. It was created in 1803 by Felix De Ribas. He later gave it to the people of Odesa. The garden has a bandstand for outdoor theater and a musical fountain.

Odesa's largest park is Shevchenko Park. It was founded in 1875 by Emperor Alexander II. The park is near the city center and the sea. It has cultural and entertainment areas, wide paths, and monuments. The local football team's stadium, Chornomorets Stadium, is also in the park.

• 

  The city's Preobrazhensky Park surrounds its cathedral.

• 

  The Alexander Column in Schevchenko Park

• 

  The Londonskaya Hotel, on Odesa's magnificent Prymorsky Bulvar, is one of the city's landmark buildings.

• 

  The main building of the Odesa National Medical University

Learning and Education in Odesa

The Odesa National Scientific Library is a major research library and the centre for studies in southern Ukraine.

Odesa is home to several universities and colleges. The most famous is the Odesa 'I.I. Mechnykov' National University. It was founded in 1865 and is one of Ukraine's top research universities.

Other important universities include:

• Odesa National Economics University (founded 1921)
• Odesa National Medical University (founded 1900)
• Odesa National Polytechnic University (founded 1918)
• National University Odesa Law Academy
• National University «Odesa Maritime Academy» (trains sailors for merchant ships)
• South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University (trains teachers)

Besides state universities, Odesa also has many private schools and academies. For younger students, there are many state-run primary and secondary schools.

Odesa's Rich Culture

Museums, Art, and Music

The Odesa Archaeological Museum was designed in the Neoclassical style just like many other landmarks of the city.

The Fine Arts Museum is the largest art gallery in the city. It has paintings from the 17th to 21st centuries. The Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art displays European and Eastern art, including works by famous painters.

The Alexander Pushkin Museum tells about the time the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin lived in Odesa. Other museums include the Odesa Archeological Museum and the Odesa Numismatics Museum.

The Pushkin Monument, Odesa, 1889, Department of Image Collections, National Gallery of Art Library, Washington, D.C.

Odesa has produced many famous musicians, especially violinists and pianists. These include Nathan Milstein, David Oistrakh, and Sviatoslav Richter. The Odesa International Film Festival is held here every year since 2010.

The main hall of the Odesa Philharmonic Society's theatre

Famous Writers from Odesa

The School of Stolyarsky, founded in 1933, has long been recognised as a centre of musical excellence.

Odesa is known for its many writers. These include Isaak Babel, who wrote stories about the city. The authors Ilf and Petrov, who wrote The Twelve Chairs, were also from Odesa. Other writers include Yury Olesha and Valentin Kataev.

These writers and comedians helped create the "Odesa myth." This idea describes Odesans as clever, street-smart, and always positive. The "Odesa dialect" of Russian, influenced by the city's Jewish community, is a big part of this image.

Celebrations and Fun Events

Ukrainian Navy Honour Guards during the Navy Day celebrations in Odesa in 2016

April Fools' Day, on April 1, is a very popular festival in Odesa. People dress in colorful clothes and play jokes. This tradition started in the 1970s and is now a big festival.

Notable People from Odesa

Many famous people were born or lived in Odesa:

• Pyotr Schmidt (1867–1906), a leader in the Sevastopol uprising.
• Ze'ev Jabotinsky (1880–1940), a key figure in Zionism.
• Rodion Malinovsky (1898–1967), a Soviet military commander in World War II.
• Simon Wiesenthal (1908–2005), a famous Nazi hunter.
• Hayim Nahman Bialik (1873–1934), a national Hebrew poet.
• Yitzhak Frenkel Frenel (1899–1981), a painter and sculptor.
• Sidney Reilly (ca.1873–1925), an early British spy.
• Valeria Lukyanova (born 1985), known for her doll-like appearance.
• Mikhail Zhvanetsky (1934–2020), a famous satirist and performer.
• Mélovin (born 1997), a singer who represented Ukraine in Eurovision.
• Yaakov Dori (1899–1973), the first Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.
• Emil Grigoryevich Gilels (1916–1985), one of the greatest pianists of all time.

Odesa's Economy and Business

Odesa's economy is mainly based on its role as a port city. Its port is almost ice-free and is connected to major rivers. This helps it link to inland areas.

During the Soviet era, Odesa was the USSR's largest trading port. Today, it is Ukraine's busiest international port. The port has facilities for oil, gas, and various types of cargo. It also has a large passenger terminal.

The port of Odesa is an important base for the Ukrainian Navy. Railways are also very important for moving goods to and from the port. The Container Terminal Odesa (CTO) is the largest container terminal in Ukraine.

Hotel Grand Moscow in Odesa

Odesa has many factories that process fuel, build machines, and work with metals. There are also food processing plants and chemical industries. Farming is important in the areas around the city.

The Seventh-Kilometer Market is a huge outdoor market outside the city. It's one of the largest in Eastern Europe, with thousands of traders and many customers every day. Tavria-V is a popular retail store chain in Odesa.

Arkadia Beach in Odesa

Deribasivska Street is a key shopping street with many boutiques. Odesa also has large shopping centers. The 19th-century shopping gallery Passage is a famous landmark.

Tourism is very important for Odesa. It is the second most-visited city in Ukraine. The city also has a growing IT industry with many tech companies and startups.

• 

  Odesa's port is Ukraine's busiest. The harbour remains accessible all year round and serves as a vital import/export channel for the Ukrainian economy.

• 

  The Passage galleries, one of the city's landmarks

Scientists from Odesa

Many important scientists have lived and worked in Odesa. These include:

• Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov (Nobel Prize in Medicine 1908)
• Igor Tamm (Nobel Prize in Physics 1958)
• Selman Waksman (Nobel Prize in Medicine 1952)
• Dmitri Mendeleev (famous chemist)
• Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov (famous surgeon)
• George Gamow (physicist and cosmologist)

Getting Around Odesa

Travel by Sea

Odesa has long been an important Black Sea port.

Odesa is a major hub for sea travel. It has several ports, including the Port of Odesa and Port of Chornomorsk. Passenger ships and ferries connect Odesa with cities like Istanbul, Haifa, and Varna. You can also take river cruises up the Dnieper River.

Roads and Cars

The M05 Highway links Odesa with the nation's capital, Kyiv. The Odesa junction.

The first car in the Russian Empire arrived in Odesa from France in 1891. Odesa is connected to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, by the M05 Highway. Other important roads link Odesa to Moldova, Romania, and other Ukrainian cities.

You can also find intercity bus services from Odesa to many cities in Russia, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, and other parts of Ukraine and Europe.

Trains and Railways

Odesa Holovna is one of Ukraine's largest railway terminals. Every day trains depart to many national and international destinations.

Odesa has several railway stations. The largest is Odesa Holovna (Main Station). From here, you can take trains to Warsaw, Prague, Berlin, Moscow, and many cities across Ukraine. The original station was built in the 1880s. The current station was rebuilt in 1952 after being destroyed in World War II.

Public Transportation in Odesa

Share of the Belgian company "Tramways d'Odessa", issued 24 August 1881

An Odesa tram on Sofievska Street

In 1881, Odesa was the first city in the Russian Empire to have steam tram lines. Electric trams started running in 1907. Today, Odesa's public transport includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, and fixed-route taxis (marshrutkas).

There is also a funicular railway at the Potemkin Stairs. It runs between the city's Primorsky Bulvar and the sea terminal. It has been in service since 1902 and was renovated in 2005.

Air Travel

Odesa International Airport is located southwest of the city center. Many airlines use this airport. It's also used by people from nearby countries who can travel to Ukraine without a visa. You can find flights from Odesa to many places in Europe, Asia, and other continents.

Sports in Odesa

The Odesa Palace of Sports

The most popular sport in Odesa is football. The main professional football club is FC Chornomorets Odesa. They play in the Ukrainian Premier League at the Chornomorets Stadium, which can hold over 34,000 fans.

Chornomorets Stadium renovated in preparation to the Euro 2012

Basketball is also popular, with BC Odesa playing in Ukraine's top basketball league. Odesa was chosen to host some games for the 39th European Basketball Championship in 2015.

Famous Athletes from Odesa

Many talented athletes come from Odesa:

• Sergei Utochkin, a famous cyclist and aviator.
• Efim Geller, a chess player.
• Tatiana Gutsu, a gymnast who won Ukraine's first Olympic gold medal in 1992.
• Oksana Grishuk and Evgeny Platov, figure skaters who won Olympic gold medals in ice dance.
• Hennadiy Avdyeyenko, who won an Olympic gold medal in high jump in 1988.

Other notable athletes:

Odesa's Sister Cities

Odesa has many sister cities around the world. This means they have special friendly relationships.

Partner Cities

Odesa also cooperates with these cities:

Images for kids

• 

  Postage stamp of the USSR 1965 "Hero-City Odesa 1941–1945"

• 

  Obverse of the Soviet campaign medal "For the Defence of Odesa"

• 

  Reverse of the Soviet campaign medal "For the Defence of Odesa"; inscription reads "For our Soviet homeland".

• 

  Certificate "For taking part in the heroic defense of Odesa"; Logvinov Petr Leontievich was awarded the Medal for the Defense of Odesa.

See also

In Spanish: Odesa para niños