Odesa, Ukraine – Archaeologists in Odesa have made a significant discovery, unearthing remnants of a 14th-century Genoese fortress beneath the iconic monument to Duke de Richelieu on Primorsky Boulevard. The findings provide compelling evidence for the existence of an Italian fortress, believed to be Ginestra, which later became the Ottoman fortress of Khadzhibey, in this historical area.
For three weeks, a dedicated archaeological expedition comprising students from the South Ukrainian Pedagogical University and specialists from the Institute of Archeology of the Academy of Sciences conducted meticulous excavations. Andriy Krasnozhon, Rector of the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University, confirmed the successful conclusion of the expedition, highlighting the profound implications of their work.
The path to this discovery began in 2021 when georadar studies first detected an anomaly beneath the Duke's monument. These initial findings were further substantiated by repeated studies in the spring of 2025, prompting the full-scale archaeological investigation. Krasnozhon posits that a stone fortress of Khadzhibey once stood on this very spot. Furthermore, the excavations have revealed even older cultural layers, dating back 2500 years, including traces of the ancient Greek colony of Gavan Istrian from the 6th century BC.
Ivan Liptuga, Director of the Department of Culture of the Odesa City Council, underscored the immense importance of this discovery for Odesa, Ukraine, and the broader historical narrative. He emphasized that these findings will undoubtedly enhance the universal value of Odesa as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historically, the Genoese maritime republic, which flourished from 1005 to 1797, maintained a significant presence in the Black Sea region, engaging in extensive trade and, unfortunately, the slave trade. This latest archaeological revelation offers a tangible link to that complex and rich past, shedding new light on the layered history of Odesa.
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