Duke de Richelieu Monument Odessa
A grand bronze statue of a key historical figure, overlooking the port from atop Odessa's iconic Potemkin Stairs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Duke de Richelieu Monument Odessa
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand bronze statue of a key historical figure, overlooking the port from atop Odessa's iconic Potemkin Stairs.
"The most armored monument in the world, offering a glimpse of European charm."
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The monument and surrounding area offer stunning photo opportunities, especially from the top of the Potemkin Stairs.
🚶♀️ Explore the Stairs
Don't miss walking down or up the famous Potemkin Stairs for a full appreciation of the monument's location.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Duke de Richelieu Monument
Top of Potemkin Stairs
Admire the bronze statue of the influential French statesman and former governor of Odessa.
Potemkin Stairs
Odessa Port
Ascend or descend these iconic steps, with the monument offering a commanding view from the top.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Protecting History Amidst Conflict
A Glimpse of European Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The monument and surrounding area offer stunning photo opportunities, especially from the top of the Potemkin Stairs.
🚶♀️ Explore the Stairs
Don't miss walking down or up the famous Potemkin Stairs for a full appreciation of the monument's location.
Where was I last week? ( sorry but I’m also from the Netherlands)
Ukrainians piled sandbags around this statue to protect it from the Russian invasion
🛡️ Witness Protective Measures
Observe the sandbag fortifications around the monument, a poignant reminder of current events.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The monument and surrounding area offer stunning photo opportunities, especially from the top of the Potemkin Stairs.
🚶♀️ Explore the Stairs
Don't miss walking down or up the famous Potemkin Stairs for a full appreciation of the monument's location.
🛡️ Witness Protective Measures
Observe the sandbag fortifications around the monument, a poignant reminder of current events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Duke de Richelieu Monument to be a beautiful and historically significant landmark, often described as having a European charm. Its prominent location at the top of the iconic Potemkin Stairs offers stunning views and a memorable experience. The recent sandbag fortifications add a poignant layer of context to its historical grandeur. +1
"One of the nice place at Odessa near by the main satires and the port street
The Monument of Duc de Richelieu is situated at the top of Potemkin Stairs. It represents a bronze statue of Armand Emmanuel Sophie Septemanie de Vignerot du Plessis, 5th duc de Richelieu, a famous French statesman and governor of Odessa from 1803 to 1814."
Dr. Hur Amer
"the most armored monument in the world."
marek relis
"Looks like a square in Italy."
Hüseyin Erdem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located at the top of the Potemkin Stairs, a prominent landmark in Odessa. You can reach it by walking from the city center or taking local transport to the area near Primorsky Boulevard.
Yes, the Duke de Richelieu Monument is a central and well-known landmark, easily visible from Primorsky Boulevard and at the apex of the Potemkin Stairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the monument and the Potemkin Stairs are public spaces and do not require an entrance fee. You can visit them freely.
The area around the Duke de Richelieu Monument and the Potemkin Stairs is accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor public space.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. The view from the top of the Potemkin Stairs is also spectacular.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use at the monument. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any temporary security measures.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Armand Emmanuel Sophie Septemanie de Vignerot du Plessis, the 5th Duke de Richelieu, was a significant French statesman and served as the Governor of Odessa from 1803 to 1814, playing a key role in the city's development.
The monument, like many other landmarks in Odessa, has been fortified with sandbags as a protective measure against potential damage from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical context might be complex, the sheer scale of the monument and the stairs is impressive for all ages. It's a great spot for family photos, and the surrounding Primorsky Boulevard offers pleasant walking paths and occasional street performers that can add to the family-friendly atmosphere.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, experiment with different angles from Primorsky Boulevard and the various levels of the Potemkin Stairs. The interplay of light and shadow on the monument and stairs can be dramatic. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light and fewer crowds. The panoramic view of the port from the top is also a must-capture scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Duke de Richelieu: A Legacy in Odessa
Today, the monument is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of resilience. In recent times, it has been notably protected with sandbags, a stark visual representation of the city's efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage amidst challenging circumstances. This protective measure underscores the monument's importance to the identity of Odessa and its people.
Visitors often remark on the monument's impressive setting at the top of the Potemkin Stairs, offering panoramic views of the port and the Black Sea. The area around the monument is frequently described as having a European charm, reminiscent of Italian cityscapes, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to reflect and appreciate the city's beauty and history.
Navigating the Potemkin Stairs
Climbing or descending the 192 steps offers a significant physical experience and a chance to appreciate the scale of this historical structure. At the top of the stairs, the Duke de Richelieu Monument provides a grand focal point and a fantastic vantage point for photos. Many visitors find the experience of walking the stairs to be a quintessential Odessa activity, offering a tangible connection to the city's past and its maritime heritage.
While the stairs are a public thoroughfare, they can become quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. For a more serene experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. The area is well-lit at night, offering a different, perhaps more dramatic, ambiance.
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