It is believed that it is here — at the largest and oldest market of Odessa was born a kind of Odessa humor. What can you buy at Privoz? Anything, at least new mom and dad — this will be the answer of a native Odessian. In addition to the fact that this place is famous as the birthplace of not only Odessa humor, but even Ukrainian humor, the status of this attraction of Odessa as one of the brightest and most important in South Palmyra is undeniable.
Privoz was formed at the end of the XVIII century on the basis of the Old Bazaar, which existed since the founding of the city in 1794 and the Greek Market. Initially, when the market was perceived as a part of the Old Bazaar, here traded imported goods from wagons, wagons — hence the name «Privoz». But already in 1827 the whole complex was united and became the largest food market in Odessa, which was given one common name.
In 1913 on Privoznaya Square by the project of F.P. Nesturkh a new beautiful and unique in its architecture building was built — Fruit Passage, which became the most significant construction on the market. Fruit Passage consisted of four two-storied buildings connected by arches, which were decorated with forged gates, the gate posts were crowned with cast-iron vases with fruits. Now the Fruit Passage has been substantially rebuilt, but in general it has not lost its majesty and beauty.
In addition to the old rows, today Pryvoz includes Covered Pryvoz and New Pryvoz, and you can buy absolutely everything your soul desires at this market. Of course, there is a rich assortment of truly Ukrainian products: lard, all kinds of pickles, flavored sausages and much more. And the most important thing is that many products here are natural, homemade — they are produced by private individuals in small batches, so they have another advantage — buyers are always offered only fresh goods.
At Privoz a tourist will be especially pleased not only with the jokes of traders, but also with very pleasant prices, besides, you can try any product before buying or just taste it!
In the sausage rows you can try the famous Ukrainian blood sausages, boujenina, ham and, of course, all kinds of lard; in the dairy rows — fresh and lush homemade cottage cheese, melt-in-your-mouth bryndza made of goat or sheep milk, homemade thick creamy melted milk, delicious Ukrainian pancakes; here you can find many kinds of fragrant halva — with peanuts and chocolate, sesame and raisins and a lot of other delicious products.
The assortment of Privoz is so rich and diverse that it would take a lot of time to list it. And all those who have been here once advise you to come and see the oldest market in Odessa with your own eyes.
There are many interesting stories connected with Privoz, according to one of which, somewhere among the market rows there is buried a treasure of one of the former owners of the market Yakov Pilerman, who disappeared one day and was never found.
Modern Privoz is a huge market with no less large-scale assortment. It is here you can truly appreciate the originality of Odessa and its inhabitants, feel the local color and cheerful atmosphere. We advise every visitor to visit this extraordinary attraction of Odessa.