Botanical Garden, Odessa

The Odesa Botanical Garden, located on French Boulevard, is part of Odessa National University and carries the name of the Nobel Prize–winning scientist Ilya Mechnikov. Founded more than 150 years ago, it is one of the city’s most established green spaces and has held the status of a park-monument of landscape art since 1963. Spanning roughly 16 hectares, the garden combines historical plantings with scientific research facilities, creating a space where education and leisure naturally overlap. More than 3,000 species grow here, reflecting both the region’s native vegetation and a long tradition of botanical study.

Visitors entering the garden will notice its calm atmosphere, shaped by shaded paths, flowering beds, and the dense canopy of its mature trees. Some sections are carefully maintained, while others preserve wilder flora that give the landscape a slightly untamed character. This blend of cultivated and natural areas offers variety throughout the walk, appealing to both casual strollers and those with a deeper interest in plant life.

The garden’s arboretum and greenhouses showcase tropical and subtropical species, introduced over many decades as part of the university’s research programs. Students and faculty use these spaces for fieldwork and scientific observation, but they remain accessible to the public, adding depth to the visitor experience. Benches and hammocks positioned around the grounds invite guests to pause, enjoy the fragrant air, and take in the surroundings.

Thoughtful touches—such as flower pots available for purchase—allow visitors to bring home a small reminder of their walk. While some reviews mention occasional maintenance issues, the overall impression is one of peace, greenery, and careful stewardship. For nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a quiet break in the city, the Odesa Botanical Garden offers a refreshing and memorable retreat.