Derebasivska street is one of the central streets of Odessa and one of the main places of interest in the city. It is located between Preobrazhenska and Polska (Polish) streets next to Hretska (Greek) and Lanzheronivska.
- The street is named after Jose de Ribas, the first mayor of Odessa. His house was there, and later on his brother Felix lived there.
- But it was not always that way. At first, it was called Sadova, and from 1804 – Himnazska (Gymnasium), in honor of the Commercial Gymnasium, opened in the same year.
- For a long time the street was divided by the Viyskova (Military) Ravine, and the bridge that separated the Hretska (Greek) square and Lanzheronivska Street.
- In 1920, after the arrival of the Bolsheviks, the street was renamed Lassalle, and in 1938 the Chkalov, in honor of the deceased test pilot.
- Historical name returned to Deribasivska in 1941 when Odessa was occupied by the Romanians.
Derybasivska is a real symbol of Odessa, immortalized in the Haidai’s film. Almost all the sightseeing tours start from that street. You may see there plenty of buildings from the 19 century. A lot of well-known historical, cultural and scientific figures visited it.
Derybasivska nowadays
The road is laid out with a pavement. It is the first street in the city where granite that was imported from Naples was used for paving the way. Those were the stones from the Vesuvius, which were order by Jose de Ribas. The strong material has survived so far.
Deribasivska itself is considered to be the main and central street. Although it is small and does not reach the sea, the townsfolk loved it for a special atmosphere. Most of the street is closed for cars. This is a pedestrian walking area. There are numerous shops, cafes, cafes and restaurants. The first Odessa City Garden adjoins Derybasivska.
The legendary street is mentioned in a lot of art works and songs, especially in typical Odessa’s. It is shown up in films as well. For example, in the “Primorskyy Boulevard” 1988.
There are street musicians everywhere and various events are held there. The street offers stunning views onto the Opera House. Finally, it’s just nice to walk.
What should you see there?
While walking along Derybasivska street, you need to look carefully at the sides. For example, A.S. Pyshkin worked in the Office of the Governor-General for two years. In another house, the legendary secret service agent N.A. Geft lived for a year. Have a look at the memorial plaque of VV Kandinskyy, find the Isakovich House, admire the architecture of the buildings designed by architect G. Toricelli. At the very beginning of the street, at the crossroads with the Polska street the monument of de Ribas was installed.
Garden City is the another attraction. The park was founded in 1803, practically at the same time when the city was founded. Felix de Ribas bought that piece of land and gave it for the city needs.
In the 2000s, there was a significant restoration. The singing fountain was built in the garden and a completely renewed indoor scene. The symphony orchestra often plays there. Other monuments in the park are the monument of the lion family, Leonid Utyosov monument, the monument to the athlete and pilot Sergei Utochkin, the monument “The Twelve Chairs.”
If you want to enjoy your vacation, without worrying about the way and planning routes, rent a car in Odessa! The company “Ukr-Prokat” offers models of different classes and capacity, for every taste!
