Country | Ukraine |
Population | 1010537 |
Area | 162.42 km2 (62.71 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
Coordinates | 46.48572, 30.74383 |
Highest elevation | 40 m (130 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Odesa, located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea, is Ukraine’s third most populous city and a vital seaport and transport hub. With a population of approximately 1,010,537 as of early 2021, Odesa is not only a major administrative center for the Odesa Raion and Odesa Oblast but also a rich cultural melting pot.
Odesa’s history stretches back to classical antiquity, where it is believed to have been a significant Greek settlement around the 6th century BC, possibly linked to the ancient Greek settlement of Histria. The first historical mention of a Slavic port settlement called Kotsiubijiv dates to 1415. By the late 15th century, the region fell under Ottoman control and was known as Hacibey until it was captured by the Russian Empire after the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792). In 1794, Empress Catherine II of Russia established a naval harbor and trading post in the area, renaming it Odessa.
Throughout the 19th century, Odessa flourished as a free port from 1819 to 1858, becoming the fourth largest city in the Russian Empire, behind Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Warsaw. Its unique architectural landscape is a blend of Mediterranean influences, heavily shaped by French and Italian styles, with notable examples of Art Nouveau, Renaissance, and Classicist architecture.
The city is strategically positioned as a warm-water port, hosting the Port of Odesa and Port Pivdennyi, an important oil terminal located in its suburbs. Additionally, the nearby port of Chornomorsk, located southwest of Odesa, further enhances the city’s role as a major transport hub. The ports are integral to the city’s economy, supported by oil and chemical processing facilities connected to European networks via strategic pipelines.
In 2000, the Quarantine Pier at Odesa Commercial Sea Port was designated a free port and economic zone for 25 years, fostering economic growth. Despite recent challenges, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine that has caused damage to the city, Odesa’s historic city center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in January 2023, emphasizing its multicultural heritage and 19th-century urban planning.
Odesa’s rich history, diverse culture, and significant economic role make it a unique and vibrant city on the Black Sea, blending its historical significance with modern-day industrial and economic activities.
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