Archaeologists have resumed excavations on Primorsky Boulevard in Odessa

A new phase of archaeological excavations has begun on Primorsky Boulevard in Odesa, near the monument to the Duke de Richelieu. Part of the site has been fenced off, and the excavations are scheduled to last two months.

This was reported by an Intenta correspondent. 

Archaeological excavations have resumed on Primorsky Boulevard in Odesa. Work is being carried out in a fenced-off area next to the funicular and the monument to the Duke de Richelieu.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Intent

According to the information stand, the research is being conducted by the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in collaboration with I. I. Mechnikov Odessa National University. The area has been cordoned off with a protective fence, and both archaeologists and technical staff have been brought in to carry out the work.

The photo shows that part of the granite paving and the topsoil have already been removed from the site. Researchers are working both manually, using shovels and buckets, and with jackhammers. A container for construction debris has been placed nearby, and the dismantled slabs have been stacked there.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Intent

According to the announcement, the archaeological work will take place from June 25 to August 26, 2026. Residents and visitors to the city have been asked to be understanding of the temporary inconveniences.

Primorsky Boulevard is one of Odessa’s oldest historical sites, so any excavation work here is traditionally accompanied by archaeological research. Experts hope to uncover new information about the city’s past and discover artifacts that may be of historical value.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Intent

In July 2025, students and staff from the Ushynsky South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University and the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine also conducted excavations on Primorsky Boulevard.

During the excavation, they discovered old walls, one of which turned out to be part of a 1902 funicular—the very first in Odessa’s history. The second structure, built of hewn stone set in clay mortar and dating to the 18th century, is most likely a wall of the artillery battery of the Khadzhibey Fortress, so researchers hope to find the fortress itself soon.

Анна Бальчінос