Dumska Square is the smallest square in Odesa, but it's the heart of public gatherings. Whether it's New Year celebrations, Maslenitsa festivities, the opening of the Humoryna festival, or civic demonstrations — this is where the people of Odesa come together. Located in the city's historic center near Istanbul Park, the square first appeared on maps in 1836 under the name Birzheva Square. That was just the first of five names it has held over time. It was renamed Dumska Square three times, with the current name officially adopted in 1994.
Both Birzheva and Dumska refer to the same landmark building on the square. In 1834, a Merchant Exchange was built here in a classical style by architect Franz Boffo. Later, the city council took over the premises, and the name of the building — and the square — changed accordingly.
Today, this building is a historical and architectural monument. Its most valuable interior spaces are the White and Pink Halls, restored after World War II. On the facade, you'll find statues of Ceres (goddess of fertility) and Mercury (patron of commerce), sculpted by Luigi Iorini. The large clock above the entrance is especially notable, flanked by female figures representing day and night. Every 30 minutes, a musical chime plays, and every hour, it performs a full verse of the city’s anthem — “Song of Odesa.”
Also located on Dumska Square is a monument to Alexander Pushkin. Although the famous poet lived in Odesa for just over a year, locals raised funds to install his bust here in 1889 as a tribute.
Opposite the Pushkin statue stands another historical artifact — a cannon from the British ship Tiger, which ran aground near Odesa during the Crimean War in 1854. Though it became a war trophy soon after, the cannon wasn't installed on the square until nearly 50 years later.
Another highlight of the square is Ukraine’s oldest archaeological museum, established in 1825. It boasts the country's largest collection of artifacts from the ancient Northern Black Sea region, along with the only Egyptian antiquities exhibit in Ukraine.
Just across Pushkinska Street is the Maritime Museum, dedicated to the history of Ukraine's merchant fleet. It also features an exhibition of anchors and marine-themed artworks.
Foto: Discover.ua
Share on Facebook
Share on X