Hello, we want to welcome you to our wonderful city Odessa.
Odessa is the largest seaport in Ukraine.
By the way, when Mark Twain landed in Odessa in 1867, he rejoiced that there were no sites
to see, and that he had nothing to do but to idle about the city and enjoy himself.
The American writer reported sauntering through the streets, admiring the populace and eating
ice cream.
All these activities are still highly recommended in Odessa.
Odessa is the fourth biggest city of Ukraine.
The territory of Odessa is 160 square kilometers.
The population of Odessa is one million people.
There are more than 133 different nationalities.
Now we are at the Potongin stairs.
They were designed by Italian architect Franz Buffo and completed in 1841.
The original structure incorporated 200 steps that went right into the water.
But each of them were covered when the lower port was built.
Now there are only 192 steps.
Outside is recognized Potongin steps from Sergei Eisenstein's Immortal Film Battleship
Potongin.
By the way, the first film studio in Ukraine was built in Odessa.
At the top of the Potongin steps stands the statue of Dukar Mandirushilio, known as the
father of Odessa.
His short but effective tenure brought art, culture and wealth to Odessa.
Legend claims that he was so beloved that when he accepted the post of prime minister
of France and left Odessa, the citizens unhooked his horse and pulled the carriage themselves.
A symbol of the city, the Odessa Opera House in Belly was built by an Austrian architect
in 1887.
The previous one was completed in 1809.
It was the first in Russian Empire, but sadly it was burned down to the ground in 1873.
It is home to the Odessa Opera and Odessa Belly companies, which are both world famous
and of incredible quality.
A lot of artists performed on its stage.
This is the place where I was born and where I spent my childhood.
I'm going to love it just as much as I love my city.
Welcome to Odessa.
You are welcome.
