The Potemkin Stairs, one of the main attractions of Odessa. Almost every tourist who finds themselves in this city strives to walk its 192 steps. At different times, it has been called Richelieu, Big, Port, Primorsky, and Boulevard, and it is often depicted on vintage postcards from the 19th-20th centuries.

Since the founding of Odessa, the city needed convenient access to the sea. At that time, the city almost reached the sea and ended with a steep descent behind Mykolaivska Street, which was 30-35 meters high and later fenced with wooden railings. In the original city plan, drawn up in the late 18th century by engineer F. de Volan, the stairs were not included. Their construction became possible due to the further development of the ensemble architecture of Odessa and the design of the architectural complex of Primorsky Boulevard, where the stairs were meant to serve both a utilitarian and symbolic role, connecting the city with the sea.

The initiator of the construction was Count Mikhail Semenovich Vorontsov, who, according to legend, wanted to make the stairs a gift for his wife, Elizabeth.

Funds for the construction of the main descent to the Black Sea came from the treasury, replenished by economic activities, customs duties, and allocations. The construction of the Potemkin Stairs cost 200,000 rubles, which was a significant sum for that time. The appearance of this grand structure became an international event, reported by English and American publications.

During the 1905 revolution, which began with the uprising on the battleship "Potemkin," the stairs, as an important strategic object connecting the city and the rebels in the port, were blocked by Cossack troops. It was these events that led to its current name, Potemkin.

In the early 20th century, a funicular opened along the stairs. In the 1970s, it was replaced by an escalator, which ceased operation after 20 years. By the 211th anniversary of the founding of Odessa, the authorities decided to build a new funicular. Since 2005, two carriages, each accommodating 24 people, have been operating along the Potemkin Stairs. The entire journey takes just over a minute.

Interesting facts:

1. An annual race "Up the Potemkin Stairs" is held. The record for the competition is 22.8 seconds.

2. According to a study by Marketing etv, the Potemkin Stairs ranked sixth among the most beautiful stairs in Europe.

3. Due to the peculiarities of the coastline, the stairs descend to the sea to the northeast, although visually it seems to go south.

4. During the City Day celebrations, the steps of the stairs become a huge grandstand for spectators watching the fireworks.