Holiday in Odessa

About Odessa

Odessa is the pearl of the Black Sea — a city with the charm of a southern diva, combining Russian grandeur, Jewish humor, French architecture, and Ukrainian zest for life in a unique mix. Founded in 1794 at the behest of Catherine the Great, the port city on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea developed within a few decades into the most important trading port of the Russian Empire and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. The Potemkin Stairs (Primorsky Stairs) are Odessa's most famous landmark: 192 steps lead down from Primorsky Boulevard to the harbor, and due to an optical illusion, the stairs appear much longer from below than from above. It became world-famous through the staircase scene in Sergei Eisenstein's silent film Battleship Potemkin (1925), one of the most influential scenes in film history. The Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater, built in 1887 in the Neo-Baroque style after the model of the Vienna State Opera, is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe: The opulent interior with gilded stucco work, velvet, and a ceiling fresco by Lefranc rivals the most magnificent theaters on the continent. Performances often cost under 10 euros. Deribasivska Street is Odessa's promenade: Chestnut trees, street cafes, street musicians, and an endless stream of people create a Mediterranean atmosphere. Beneath it lies the largest catacomb network in the world: Over 2,500 kilometers of underground passages, originally limestone quarries, which served as hiding places for partisans during World War II. Note: Due to the war in Ukraine since February 2022, there are currently travel warnings for Odessa and the entire Ukraine. Please inform yourself about the current security situation at the Foreign Office before planning a trip. The following information refers to the tourist normality before the conflict.