21 September 2026
(Andriy Krasnozhon. PHOTO: Intent)
A public lecture was held in Odesa summarizing the results of 30 years of archaeological research at the Khadzhibey Castle. Archaeologist Andriy Krasnozhon presented systematic evidence and announced that the long-standing mystery surrounding the fortress’s location has finally been solved.
Reporters from Intent attended the lecture.
The researcher described his journey in the search for the Khadzhibey Castle—from his first steps alongside his mentor to his independent research. He explained why certain sites were chosen for excavation and provided a detailed analysis of all key findings from 2021 to the artifacts discovered during the initial excavations at the time of the full-scale invasion.
The archaeologist also displayed the finds themselves—ancient coins, pottery, pipes, and samples of the cultural layer. He explained how each new object discovered helped determine exactly where to continue digging. All these individual facts came together to form a single, coherent picture.
Andriy Krasnozhon concluded that it can now be said with certainty that the castle has been found. He announced plans to write a book about this research.
Andriy Vasylovych Krasnozhon is a Ukrainian historian, archaeologist, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and the current rector of the K. D. Ushynsky South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University in Odesa. He is a leading researcher of medieval fortifications in the northwestern Black Sea region and the author of numerous monographs and scholarly works.
As reported by Intent, during excavations on Primorsky Boulevard in Odessa, an archaeological expedition discovered one of the towers of the Khadzhibey Castle. During the excavations, the structure’s foundations were found to be nearly intact—even the first row of masonry had been preserved. However, part of the structure was damaged by a 19th-century storm drain and a modern concrete manhole. The question of the castle’s dating remains open for now.
Юлія Калабайда