In comparison to other major European cities, Odessa is relatively young. The city was found in 1794 by Empress Katherine II when she ordered the construction of a port on the Black Sea Coast to broaden trade and cultural relations with Europe. Built by several generations of talented Russian and European architects and civil engineers, the city has become famous for its architectural integrity. The palaces and public house buildings of the city center blend harmoniously with the Empire style of residential buildings that can be found on the environs of the city.

Initially a small military settlement, Odessa rapidly expanded into a significant trade, industrial and scientific center with a heavy European influence. During WW I and the revolutionary years the city went through a period of devastation and chaos. The city recovered only to be partially destroyed again by the Nazis during WW II. Many of Odessa’s inhabitants were shot and murdered by the German and Romanian occupying forces during the years of occupation.

In spite of the cities various brushes with disaster, the population of Odessa has continued to grow and now numbers nearly 1.1 million inhabitants. Today, Odessa is a thriving industrial and tourist center. Odessa, with its mild climate, sandy beaches and warm seas, attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is not surprising that the city of Odessa bears the honorary title of a «Southern Palmyra»