Odessa lawmakers called for an inspection of the decommissioned Duka

Members of the Odesa City Council have appealed to Olena Ivanova, Director of the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Cultural Heritage Protection, regarding an inspection of the monument to the Duke de Richelieu. This is necessary to identify any potential damage after the monument has been covered by protective structures for four years. 

This is stated in a joint appeal by the council members. 

The appeal notes that “this issue takes on particular significance given the monument’s location on Primorsky Boulevard, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Historic Center of Odessa.’ Therefore, this is not only about the condition of one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, but also about the proper protection of Odessa’s historical and cultural environment as a whole.”

The deputies also point out that attention should be given to other city landmarks that were or still are covered by protective structures. Their actual condition is currently unknown and requires a professional assessment.

Experts have already conducted a preliminary inspection ofthe Duke de Richelieu monument. Specialists from the Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture were involvedin the work. 

The experts’ preliminary conclusion is that no significant damage to the monument has been identified. The monument’s structural condition is stable, and its decorative elements are generally well-preserved. While inspecting the upper part of the sculpture, experts noticed stains that initially appeared to be new damage. However, a more detailed examination revealed that these are traces of previous restoration work carried out in the early 2000s. 

Several areas showing signs of mechanical damage were also identified. According to a preliminary assessment, these do not pose a threat to the monument’s decorative finish and require only simple conservation work.

The monument to the Duke of Richelieu, located on Primorsky Boulevard, was uncovered on August 16. The sandbags that municipal workers and volunteers had placed around it at the start of the invasion were removed from the monument. 

Юлія Калабайда