World Heritage Site
The "Historic Center of Odesa", recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, is a testament to the city's multicultural heritage and architectural grandeur. This area showcases an eclectic blend of styles, including Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Baroque, reflecting the influence of various European cultures. Landmarks such as the Potemkin Stairs, the Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater, and Prymorskyi Boulevard highlight the city's significance as the Black Sea gateway of the 19th century. The historic center not only preserves Odesa’s rich past but also embodies its vibrant spirit, making it a cultural and historical treasure of global importance.
The "Historic Center of Odesa" is a unique example of an architectural ensemble shaped by European traditions. It has well-preserved its original urban layout, 19th–20th century historical buildings, street network, and distinctive architecture, maintaining its traditional use as a residential environment. This makes it of high value to the world’s heritage, benefiting all of humanity and future generations.
618.54 ha
Area of the site
618.8 ha
Buffer zone area
618.54 ha
Estimated population
81
Number of streets and alleys
22
Parks, squares, and boulevards
13
Natural landmarks
19
monumental art monuments
1
archaeological site
Within the "Historic Center of Odesa", there are 1,006 monuments of local and national significance, including:
872
architectural and urban planning monuments
114
historical monuments
19
monumental art monuments
298
memorial and commemorative plaques
138
statues and monuments
Furthermore, the site includes four cultural heritage monuments that have been granted enhanced protection under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its 1999 Second Protocol:
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Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater (Lanzheronivska St. & Rishelievska St., Teatralnyi Lane)
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Odesa Regional Philharmonic named after David Oistrakh (Italiiska St. 17 & Nina Strokata St. 15)
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Astronomical Observatory Building (Marazliivska St., Lidersivskyi Blvd., T.G. Shevchenko Park)
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Odesa Literary Museum (Lanzheronivska St. 2)
The geographical location of Odesa on the Black Sea, along with its proximity to the active frontline since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in 2022, has led to repeated missile attacks on the residential and public buildings within the "Historic Center of Odesa."
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