Primorsky Boulevard

Primorsky Boulevard

Russian: Приморский Бульвар "A must see" attraction Click here for more attractions you should visit while in Odessa Primorsky Boulevard is a shady seaside promenade with many historic landmarks and interesting monuments. Here Odessites sit on the shady benches, enjoy the sea breeze, and gaze at the panorama of the bay. The architectural ensemble of Primorsky Boulevard attests to the high standards of Odessa architects. Designed as the compositional pivot of the city, the Boulevard runs along the sealine. The middle section of the Boulevard is occupied by the semi-circular square with the monument to A. E. Richelieu in the center. The buildings of the former stock exchange and the Vorontsov Palace terminate the Boulevard on each end to form an integral balanced whole. The architectural rhythm of Primorsky Boulevard, enhanced by horizontal terraces, is interrupted by the vertical line of the grandiose stairs terraces which were given the name of Potemkin.

History

Before 1820, this area was a large ruin carved by eroded ravines, where the remains of the old Turkish fortress once stood. Architect F. Challe designed the boulevard in 1819, and work began with landscaping and the planting of trees in 1820. Most of the buildings were built in the early 19th century.

Construction

The Boulevard is a half a kilometer (500 meters) and follows the contours of the steep cliff that it is built upon. At each end is a square, on the northwestern end is the children's palace, and on the southeastern end is the Odessa mayor's office. Four rows of Linden, maples, limes, and horse chestnut trees (also known as Buckeye trees) line the boulevard. In the late spring, Horse chestnut trees bloom in beautiful candle-like white cones. In the autumn passerby's collect the shiny chestnuts.

More photos of Primorsky Boulevard in Odessa Ukraine

Historic photo of Primorsky Boulevard

Historic map of Primorsky Boulevard

See also

• Virtual tour of Primorsky Boulevard