Odessa is a city with its own unique flavor. The main attractions are located in the center, so it is convenient to get to know them just by walking. It is a city of beautiful architecture that retains its charm despite severe damage.
There are not so many cities that are attractions in themselves, and Odessa is one of them. Famous places such as Privoz, Potemkin Stairs on the embankment, Deribasovskaya Street, Primorsky Boulevard and the Opera Theater, which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Europe, are known by hearsay. You should start your sightseeing with a walk along the old streets of the center, famous for their exceptional architecture. These are Richelievskaya, Pushkinskaya, Lanzheronovskaya and others. Then you can go to the Odessa Sea Port - the largest in the entire Black Sea. From the port, be sure to climb the Potemkin Stairs. It is a famous building with 192 steps. The architect Buffo built the staircase by order of Prince Vorontsov, who wanted to make a gift to his wife Elizabeth. Where the steps begin, there is a monument to Count de Richelieu, who founded the city; in honor of him, the staircase itself was formerly called Richelieu. In Soviet times, it was renamed. The Potemkin Stairs will lead you to Primorsky Boulevard, one of the most beautiful and green streets in the city. From its various sections, excellent views of the sea and the port open, there is a very beautiful monument to Pushkin, as well as the most interesting ancient buildings of the city. Deribasovskaya street, known to every inhabitant of Russia by anecdotes, was named so in honor of O. Deribas, this is the most the first mayor of Odessa. Very beautiful Greek Square and City Garden adjoin Deribasovskaya. For the most part, the street is pedestrianized. Local residents and guests of the city love to walk here, and it is not surprising, because you will not get bored on Deribasovskaya. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants on it, many of which have tables on the street: Deribasovskaya is the focus of the public life of the entire city. In the past, the City Garden was a favorite meeting place for creative people: musicians, poets and artists gathered there. The latter, as a rule, arranged entire exhibitions in the Garden, displaying and selling their work. Today, most artists exhibit their paintings on Cathedral Square, which locals call Cathedral. While in Odessa, one cannot fail to visit the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, built in the 19th century. Along the portal of the theater there are beautiful sculptures depicting muses of dance, music, tragedy, comedy and theater. The interior decoration of the theater is striking in its luxury and splendor. The most famous artists of all time have performed on its stage, and the acoustics in the hall are excellent. There are many museums in Odessa that may interest the guests of the city. These are museums of Eastern and Western art, Art Museum, Odessa Pushkin Museum, and others.
