"Charming Odesa" Odessa by frockland

Odesa is the main port of Ukraine. Early settlements were dated to the 12th century. The location was useful as a port as well as a fort to control trading routes. In 1526 the Osman Turks took over the place and erected a fort in 1764. 15 years later Tatars and Russians occupied the place and started to build a new fortress and harbour during the following years. Europe’s best architects were called to build up a new city. In 1803 Emmanuel Richelieu, a French nobleman who had to flee from the French revolution, became governor and made Odesa a prosperous city. Beautiful buildings with stucco decorated facades bear witness of that period. In 1894 there had been 50 Orthodox, 3 Catholic, 3 Protestant churches and eleven synagogues!

During WW 2 Odesa suffered heavy damage when German and Romanian troops occupied the city. Many civilians were killed.

Since ever many people of different origin were living in Odesa: Ukrainians, Russians, Jews, Greeks, Moldavians, Bulgarians and a few Germans. This gives the city a cosmopolitan flair.