This historic building is an integral part of the architectural ensemble of Prymorskyi Boulevard and is considered one of Odesa’s finest landmarks. Its construction, led by architects Francesco Boffo and Giorgio Torricelli, took nearly a decade — but the result was well worth the wait.
Built in the Classical style, the facade is adorned with elegant white columns and statues of Mercury (the god of commerce) and Ceres (the goddess of agriculture). This choice of deities reflects the building’s original function as Odesa’s first stock exchange, primarily dealing in grain trade. Just 18 years later, the exchange relocated to a new building on Pushkinska Street (now the Odesa Philharmonic), and the City Duma moved in.
One of the building’s highlights is the large clock on the facade, crafted by the British firm "Smith & Sons" in 1868. It is still wound manually twice a day and remains impressively reliable — having broken down only once, in 1988. Flanking the clock are sculptural figures representing Day and Night, symbolizing the eternal passage of time.
Interesting fact: The facade originally featured two rows of columns. In 1871, one row was removed to expand the interior space for the growing needs of the stock exchange.
Photo: Discover.ua
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