Taras Shevchenko Park is the largest and oldest park in Odesa, a green belt between the historic center and the sea. Wide alleys run past fountains, monuments and benches styled as open books. A broad avenue leads down to the Monument of the Unknown Sailor, which overlooks the water. The park also has an observatory, an open-air theatre and a cabin ride with views over the port. It is an easy place for a long walk, a picnic or a quiet afternoon away from the streets of the center.
From fortress and quarantine to park
Long before the city of Odesa existed, an Ottoman fortress stood on this ground. In the 19th century the area served as the port's quarantine. The park itself opened in 1875 under the name Alexander Park, and the grounds were laid out over the earlier defensive complex.
In 1920 the park was renamed after Taras Shevchenko, the Ukrainian national poet. His monument stands near the central entrance. Writers including Gogol, Pushkin, Dostoevsky and Chekhov are recorded as having walked here in the 19th century.
Monuments, benches and memorials
Around the Shevchenko monument are art benches, each inscribed with lines from the poet's works. Other benches in the park are shaped like open books.
A wide avenue runs down through the park to a World War II memorial, the Monument of the Unknown Sailor, which looks out over the sea. The Alley of Glory memorial is also inside the park. Around the Chornomorets football stadium you will find more monuments, benches and pavilions. Visit these memorials quietly, as they are places of remembrance.
The Green Theater and the observatory
The Green Theater opened in 1936 as a large amphitheater among tall trees. In Soviet times it became a cultural landmark in its own right, and in 1962 it hosted the American clarinetist Benny Goodman. Today the open-air theatre stages performances in summer.
The Odesa Observatory is also within the park. For a wider view, a cabin ride climbs to hilltop spots above the bay and looks over the port.
Getting there and what the park offers
The park's address is Marazliivska Street, at the entrance on Marazliyevskaya Street 1. From Deribasovskaya Street it is a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride, and trolleybus 3 and tram 28 also serve the area.
The grounds cover about 225 acres. Paths are used for walking, cycling and picnics, and there is a public restroom. The main entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed, and children have a playground, slides, swings and a skateboarding area.
FAQ
How do you get to Taras Shevchenko Park from the center of Odesa?
From Deribasovskaya Street it is about a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride. You can also take trolleybus 3 or tram 28.
What is there to see in the park?
You can see the Taras Shevchenko monument, the Alley of Glory memorial and the Monument of the Unknown Sailor. The park also has fountains, the Odesa Observatory, the Green Theater and a cabin ride with views of the port.
Is the park good for children and dogs?
Yes. There is a playground with slides and swings, a skateboarding area and a dog park, and dogs are allowed in the park.
Is Taras Shevchenko Park wheelchair accessible?
The park has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
Who is the park named after?
It is named after Taras Shevchenko, the Ukrainian national poet. The park received his name in 1920, and his monument stands near the central entrance.
