The largest in Ukraine Odessa Seaport was founded on the northwest coast of the Black Sea in 1794 by order of Catherine II. Later the port became the heart of the city, the starting point of its development, and writers about this attraction of Odessa say so: «Today — any ice-cream seller will tell you this — Odessa without the port is not Odessa!».
The port acquired its modern appearance by 1905. Today the port stretches for 9 kilometers along the coastline of the Black Sea and is not just a place where ships and cargoes depart and arrive — it is a unique landmark of Odessa, of interest to tourists from all over the world.
Odessa seaport is a vacation opportunity for all tastes. Connoisseurs of contemporary art can go to the only one of its kind on the territory of Europe sea gallery, the exhibition area of which is more than one square kilometer. Located on the coast, the gallery features graphic art, sculpture, marinism and contemporary painting. Visitors are invited to plunge into the magical maritime world reflected in the vision of contemporary artists and sculptors. The gallery is a member of the International Association of Contemporary Art Centers.
For lovers of romantic yachting, there is a modern yacht club meeting all international standards and accommodating up to 80 yachts of any depth and length.
In the port there are a lot of entertainment facilities where you can have fun and enjoy your time. Fashion shows, various concerts and other cultural programs are regularly held here.
Odessa seaport is located in the very center of the city and is surrounded by numerous attractions. The Potemkin Stairs stands out among them. Before its construction, the descent to the sea due to the fact that the city is on an elevation was inconvenient, even Pushkin reflected this in his lines: «From the steep shore escaping, I am going to the sea» (Onegin’s Travels). Therefore, Prince Vorontsov allocated funds for the construction of a staircase, which he «presented» as a gift to Elizabeth, his wife.
The project of the staircase belongs to architects Avraam Melnikov, Francesco Boffo and Potier, and its construction in 1837-1841 was carried out by engineers Y. Morozov and Uopton. The staircase became a link connecting the center of Odessa with the coastal territory, poems were composed about it, writers and poets dedicated lines to it. And today the Potemkin Staircase is an amazing, majestic structure, from the top of which opens the most beautiful panorama of the port.
The buildings of the hotel «Odessa» and the Sea Station, in front of which you can see the sculpture of E. Neizvestny «Golden Child» — these are also peculiar sights of the port. The multi-storey hotel was erected here in 2001 and stylistically completes the image of a large modern port.
Walking around the port, you can also look into the local museum, where interesting exhibits and documents are presented. However, the exposition of things of great interest to people who are fond of history and those who want to see ancient objects is located outside the museum — behind the church of St. Nicholas, built in 1993. Objects, anchors and cannons recovered from the bottom of the bay are on display in the open air, the history of each of which is described on a stand near each exhibit.
Whatever the purpose of your visit to Odessa, you should definitely see the heart of this city — Odessa Sea Port. Beauty and scale, coastal romance and liveliness inherent in modern vacation spots — this harmonious combination creates a unique atmosphere. Once in the heart of Odessa at least once, you will never forget this place.