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ODESSA, UKRAINE (PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA) |
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Russian Fairytale, Site of Odessa Ukraine, Black Sea, Russia
*History of Odessa, Ukraine
*Odessa, Ukraine Attractions
*Travel Tips for Odessa, Ukraine
HISTORY of ODESSA, UKRAINE
A colony from ancient Greece may have once occupied the site of this Ukraine city. Numerous monuments of antiquity confirm links between this territory & the Eastern Mediterranean. In the Middle Ages these lands were a part of the Kiev Rus, Galich & Volyn Principality, the Golden Horde, the Great Lithuanian Principality, the Crimean Khanate & the Osman Empire. Crimean Tatars traded there in the 14th century. In the course of Russian-Turkish wars these lands were captured by Russia at the end of the 18th century.
Odessa, Ukraine was founded in 1794 by Catherine the Great. In 1764 the Empress formed the territories newly acquired in the south-west other empire into a province called Novorossiya. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-91, Don Josef de Ribas, a soldier of fortune, born in Naples of Spanish & Irish stock, & one of many adventures in Catherine's service, stormed the fortress of Yeny-Dunai at Khadzhibei. De Ribas & his close collaborator, a Dutch engineer named Franz de Volan, recommended Khadzhibei as the site for the region's principal port. Its harbour was deep & nearly ice-free. Breakwaters, on the model of those found at Naples, Livorno & Ancona, could be cheaply constructed & would render the harbour safe even for large fleets. The Governor General of Novorossiya, Prince Platon Zubov — one of Catherine's favourites — gave decisive support to the latter proposal. In 1794, Catherine gave it her approval. She immediately sent twenty-six thousand roubles to de Ribas & de Volan to build a harbour. This new settlement was given the name Odessa.
The city's name came about as a result of an error. It was meant to be named after the ancient Greek city of Odessos or Ordissos, which was believed to have been founded in the vicinity. Actually, it was somewhere near the present day town of Varna in Bulgaria. But Catherine the Great liked "Adessa" — as it is pronounced by the Russians and Ukraine locals.
In 1803, Tsar Alexander I appointed a young French emigrant, then 36 years old, the Duke de Richelieu to be the gradonachalnik, or the mayor, of Odessa, Ukraine. Eighteen months later, in 1805, the Tsar enlarged his authority by appointing him to serve simultaneously as the governor of the three provinces of Novorossiya. In the 11 years of his administration, the Duke de Richelieu acquired an extraordinary reputation for statesmanship & sense, both abroad & in Russia. Clothed inexplicable in a toga, his statue now points out to the sea, presumably to indicate the source of Odessa's wealth. The Duke left Odessa, Ukraine on September 26, 1814 to travel to France. Even after his return to France to serve as prime minister under the restored monarchy, he retained cordial ties with the Imperial Russian Court & with the Russian ambassador to France, Pozzo di Borgo.
By 1820 Odessa, Ukraine had become an important commercial, industrial & cultural centre in the southern part of Tsarist Russia & the greatest seaport on the Black Sea. The economy of Odessa, Ukraine was based on private businesses. They made the city a 'dissident' in the old feudal Russia.
The unique position of Odessa, Ukraine as a vital trade link between the West & the East, & the growth in importance of Russian external trade through the Black Sea in the 19th century made way for the establishment of a big trade port centre for the development of Odessa, Ukraine into an advanced European city. A crucial event in the trade policy was the declaration of a free port regime in Odessa, Ukraine in August, 1819, establishing a customs border in the vicinity. It was aimed at overcoming scarcity in the domestic market, by the attraction of investment capital. It was also because of the absence of a Russian trade fleet in the Black Sea.
The free port was a guarantee of Odessa's financial security, a breakthrough into the civilized world, a dress rehearsal for the development of an open economy in the Russian Empire. The transformation of Odessa, Ukraine into an advanced European city was put forward by prominent administrators — experienced & cultured governor generals of the Novorossiya region. Their work was based on activities of representatives of numerous nations & nationalities that came to Odessa, Ukraine bringing their cultures of manufacturing, trade & management. It resulted in a new culture comprising the best features of all its constituents.
Throughout the whole period of the free port in Odessa, Ukraine (1819-1858) there was huge discussion between supporters & opponents of the privileged tax regime. Free trade had a negative influence on the development of manufacturing in the region. Local products could not compete in quality with overseas goods.
The Crimean War (1853-56) revealed the bankruptcy of the closed economy in feudal Russia compared to the developed capitalistic economies of Great Britain & France. The war prompted the reforms of the 1860's. With new trade regulations, the free port regime in Odessa, Ukraine was out of date, & was eventually abolished.
By its hundredth anniversary (1894), Odessa, Ukraine occupied 4th place in the Russian Empire in size and economic power - after St. Petersburg, Moscow and Warsaw. Odessans were noted for their powerful economy & wonderful spirit of freedom which allowed them to achieve great success in the field of science, education & the arts.
Nowadays the city of Odessa, Ukraine with a total population of 1,029,000 people, is the capital city of the Odessa, Ukraine region. Odessa, Ukraine in conjunction with its satellite towns of Ilyichevsk & Yuzhny forms an important port & industrial complex & one of the largest urban conurbations on the entire Black Sea coast. It is strategically located on one of the shortest & most convenient waterways leading from Northern and Central Europe to the Middle East & Asia through the Rhine & Danube River & canal system. This system, together with such waterways as the Dnieper, Dniester, & Volga-Don rivers combined with the three large ports of Odessa, Ukraine - Ilyichevsk & Yuzhny, & the Odessa railroad provides, a unique opportunity for the economic processing of transit cargo traffic & passenger flows. Odessa, Ukraine is a leading centre of learning & culture with many secondary, higher education, & training institutions. It is also a major resort area. The economic profile of Odessa, Ukraine is dominated by the activities of the three major ports, but in addition to this there are industries such as: ship repairing, machine tool manufacturing, & food processing & textile industries. Ilyichevsk runs the largest fishing fleet in Ukraine.
Among the great cities of the world, Odessa, Ukraine can claim certain distinctions. One of the major cities of contemporary Europe, Odessa, Ukraine officially founded in 1794, is among the youngest ones. No other European city can match such growth rate in the 19th century. It also developed in an area of the continent that has an ancient tradition of trade & a long, though discontinuous, history of urban settlement.
ODESSA, UKRAINE ATTRACTIONS
Archaeology Museum
Odessa, Ukraine Archaeology museum is one of the oldest museums not only in Ukraine but also in the whole ex-USSR, was founded in 1825. Now collection exceeds over 160 thousands of exhibits, being one of the biggest collections of materials & artifacts in northern Black Sea region history. Entering into the first exhibition hall of the museum you will find paths left by Greek colonists in Odessa, Ukraine & at the whole northern Black Sea region. Next halls dedicated to the culture of Scyths & Sarmaths tribes settled steppes of Black Sea region. Museum has its Golden Treasury room (one of three in Ukraine). The Golden Treasury of the Archaeology museum includes collection of gold belongings excavated from the Scythian & Sarmathian tombs, also there are gold & silver coins of ancient Greece & Rome, Byzantine & Russian empires etc.
Tolstoy Palace
The architectural complex constructed in 1832 by the project of architect Boffo for nobleman count Tolstoy. The White Hall, Silk Lounge & Marble Lounge(where by legend played Franz Liszt), Nut-tree reception room will charm you with its original furniture & rich decoration. In 1887 the architectural complex was complemented by picture gallery(Green hall) designed by the Viennese architects Felner & Ghelmer(the same architects who designed Opera House ). Up to 1934 palace accommodated Fund of gallery of Russian painting of the Odessa< Ukraine art museum. Tolstoy family left great sign in the history of Odessa, Ukraine by their social & wide philanthropic activity. During 22 years count Tolstoy, honor of Odessa, Ukraine citizen, was guardian of the public Library, which was built on his donation (now Odessa State Scientist Library). Count Toltoy with his wife were initiators & organizers of foundation of the first Medical Emergency Service in Russian history.
Literature Museum (Gagarin Palace)
The building was constructed by design of architect Otton in the middle of XIX for nobleman prince Gagarin, one of the first citizens of Odessa, Ukraine. Classicism, baroque & ampir styles found their reflextion in the interiors of the palace. Each of twenty halls decorated in its own specific style tipical for certain period of literature it dedicated to. Rich decorations of Golden hall - the gala hall of the museum, won't leave you untouched. Famous Hungarian virtuoso pianist & composer Franz Liszt perfored here. This is the place where declaimed Vladimir (Zeev) Zhabotinski, the future ideologist of Israel State creation.
Western & Oriental Art Museum(Abaza Palace)
Building constructed under project of architect Otton, in 1920 became this unique museum. Carrara marbel staircase leading from the lobby to the originaly decorated interiors with the unique works of artists among which are real masterpieces. Twenty three halls accommodate antique, western-european & oriental departmets. Odessa, Ukraine Western & Oriental Arts museum has one of the richest collections of Ukraine. Among its exhibits are works of Frans Hals, Caravaggio, Strozzi, Magnasco, percelain from the best european factories of XVIII - XX cc with sculptures & ceramics from Iran, Tibet, China & Japan.
Fine Arts Museum
Museum was opened at a house of prince Pototsky in 1899. The beginning of the museum started from collection of canvases given by Saint-Petersburg Academy of Arts. Twenty six halls store wide range of fine arts : paintings, graphics, sculptures & decoration art, including special room provided for exhibition of Russian & Ukraine iconographers' works of XVI - XVII. Among it's collection - works of famous artists Ayvazovsky, Levitan, Repin, Surikov, Shishkin. One of the best of it parts represented by canvases of XIX & XX ceturies Kandinsky, Benois, Kustodiev, Serov, Vrubel, Roerich. Under the museum is an artificial grotto where classical music performances take place.
Local Lore Museum (Novikov Estate)
Neighbouring city garden, & located at the house built in 1876 for well-known Odessa, Ukraine merchant Alexander Novikov. The first exhibition opened in August 1944, was "Odessa heroic defence", dedicated to the resistance of Odessa, Ukraine citizens to Nazi during WWII (later this exhibition was moved to republican museum of Odessa defence). The actual Local Lore Museum was opened on May the 6th, 1956. Documents, decorative arts, numesmatic collections, weapon of XVII - XIX, connected with history of Odessa, Ukraine region being a part of History and Antiqueties society of Odessa, Ukraine, Museum of Book, Old Odessa Museum, became funds of Local Lore Museum.
Potemkin Stairs
In 1905 Odessa, Ukraine was the site of a workers’ uprising supported by the crew of the Russian Battleship “Potemkin” & Lenin’s Iskra. Sergei Eisenstein’s famous motion picture “The Battleship Potemkin” commemorates the uprising & includes a scene in which hundreds of Odessan citizens are murdered on the great stone staircase (now popularly known as the “Potemkin Stairs”), in one of the most famous scenes in motion picture history. At the top of the stairs, which lead down to the port, stands a statue of the Duke de Richelieu. The actual massacre took place in nearby streets, not the steps themselves, but the movie caused many people to visit Odessa, Ukraine to see the site of the “slaughter”. The “Potemkin Stairs” continue to be a tourist attraction in Odessa, Ukraine. The film was made at Odessa’s Cinema Factory, one of the oldest cinema studios in the former Soviet Union.
TRAVEL TIPS for ODESSA, UKRAINE
Visas
Travel to Ukraine has become easier than ever. US & Canadian citizens in most cases no longer need a Visa to visit Ukraine, however, some counties & trip purposes still warrant a visa requirement.
Passing Through Ukraine Customs
It is not advisable to bring expensive gifts into Ukraine. If you bring jewellery or another type of an expensive gift you may be asked to pay a customs duty which in some cases equates to the price of the gift. We recommend these purchases be made in Ukraine, particularly Odessa, where these items are likely to be less expensive. Legally, you are allowed to bring up to $10,000 in cash & up to $50,000 in checks. If your cash amount exceeds $10,000 you will need to declare it at customs. Keep in mind that you are allowed to take up to $10,000 when leaving Ukraine, however, if the amount declared upon entrance exceeds that of $10,000 you will be able to leave with any lesser amount of what was declared upon entry.
Taxis
Taxi’s are comparatively cheap for Russian speaking passengers in Odessa, Ukraine (predominate language in Ukraine). Taxi fees are usually negotiated with the driver ahead of time. Gypsy cabs are readily available everywhere by simply extending out your hand. Odessa, Ukraine gypsy cabs are less expensive but are not recommended for non-Russian speakers. If you wish to use a gypsy cab make sure there is nobody else inside but the driver & negotiate the price before you get inside.
Medical Care
Remember to bring any medications to Odessa, Ukraine you may need. While prescriptions are not needed to purchase medications in Odessa, Ukraine – their selection is limited. Check with your health insurer before you depart to ascertain your coverage in the event of emergency. Many insurance providers offer specialized riders which can cover emergency evacuation.
Below is a list of a few centrally located Odessa Pharmacies:
80 Ekaterininskaya St
18 Preobrazhenskaya St
2 Sadovaya St
21 Sadovaya St Open 24 Hours
Water
Water quality varies widely in Odessa, Ukraine. The best advice is to drink only bottled water. Also try to avoid putting ice in your drinks.
Safety
Although petty thieves are common in Odessa, as in the rest of Ukraine, it is still generally safer here than in most American cities. The violent crime rate in Odessa, Ukraine is almost zero. Most crimes in Odessa, Ukraine involve pettiness such as pick-pocketing & money scams. Precautions include not flaunting valuables while on Odessa, Ukraine streets, watching your pockets in crowded places or walking alone at night through city streets or parks. It is also advisable to avoid loud conversations, which may draw attention to the fact you are a foreigner.
Internet
Odessa, like the rest of Ukraine, has plenty of cyber cafes to provide Internet connection at $1-$2 per hour. If you bring a laptop into Ukraine you will need to purchase prepaid time cards for Ukraine Internet access. These cards indicate login, password, connection set-up details & phone numbers for dial-up access. Internet cards can be purchased at any Odessa, Ukraine computer shop, most supermarkets & news-stalls.
List of Odessa, Ukraine Internet Cafes open 24 hours
Mouse Club 16 Chaikovskovo
Z-club 47 Preobrazhenskaya
Arena 28 Preobrazhenskaya
Matrix 1 Grecheskaya 1
Odessos 33 Bunina
Internet Planet 58 Rishelevskaya
Net-Center 75 Ekaterininska
Hacker 57 Evreyskaya
Tipping
Tipping is expected at most Odessa restaurants, as is the case throughout Ukraine. Tip 10-15% depending on service.
Electricity
Electricity throughout Ukraine is 220 volt. The plug is the two-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own converter as most stores in Odessa, Ukraine don't carry them.
Currency
Prices in Odessa, Ukraine are generally quoted in Hrivnia, the local currency, however, US dollars are occasionally accepted & used for pricing. Currency in Odessa, & the rest of Ukraine, can be freely converted at banks, hotels or kiosks specifically for tourists. Deribasovskaya Street on its own has more than ten Odessa, Ukraine currency exchange services.
Telephones
Mobile phones are an essential accessory in Ukraine, especially charismatic Odessa. There are numerous mobile service providers in Odessa, Ukraine, with Kyivstar & UMC being the most popular. It can be daunting trying to figure out the mobile phone system of Ukraine, therefore we offer Odessa - Ukraine mobile phone rentals which allow you to use a fully functional phone while in Odessa & rest of Ukraine, operating on the same basis as what the locals use. Our rental phones have been programmed with all the essential Odessa, Ukraine numbers that you might need, such as Odessa's airport, restaurants, taxi service, clubs, and major
Odessa hotels
How to call Odessa, Ukraine from abroad:
Dial international access code of your country, then dial 38 (international code of Ukraine) + city code + city number. Odessa, Ukraine’s city number is 482, although remember, this code is not required for dialling Odessa mobile phones.
Working hours
In Odessa, Ukraine, state & public offices are open from 9a.m. to 6p.m. Monday - Friday, with a lunch hour from 1p.m. as a general rule. The majority of Odessa, Ukraine stores are opened from 10a.m. - 7p.m. & are closed on Sundays. A lunch hour is commonly from 1 - 2p.m. or from 2 - 3p.m.
Most of Odessa's food stores work 24 hours, 7 days. Some work from 8a.m. - 8p.m. Usual work time for cafes & restaurants in Odessa, Ukraine are from 10 - 12 am or until the last customer leaves.
Banks
Most banks are open to public from 9a.m. - 3p.m with a lunch hour from 1 to 2 p.m. & are closed on Saturday, Sunday.
ATM machines can be found all over Odessa, Ukraine.
Ukrainian Holidays
*January 1 - New Year
* January 7 - Christmas
* March 8 - Women’s Day
* May 1, 2 - Labour Day
* May 5 - Easter
* May 9 - Victory Day
* June 23 - Whitsunday
* June 28 – Constitution Day
* August 24 – Independence Day
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info@russian-fairytale.com
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admin@russian-fairytale.com
Phone: +380975591460
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