Monument to De Ribas, Odessa

The Monument to José de Ribas is a modest yet meaningful landmark honouring the Spanish-Italian officer who played a central role in the founding and early development of Odessa in the late 18th century. Positioned at the beginning of Deribasovskaya Street—a lively pedestrian zone that carries his name—it introduces visitors to one of the city’s key historical figures. As the first mayor of Odessa and a driving force behind the creation of its port, de Ribas left a lasting imprint on the city’s identity.

Created by Odessa sculptor Alexander Knyazik and unveiled in 1994, the bronze statue portrays a young de Ribas holding a shovel and a city plan. These details highlight his involvement not only in administrative leadership but also in the physical construction of the new harbour town. Rather than an imposing monument, it conveys a sense of hands-on commitment, reflecting the practical work that helped shape Odessa’s earliest streets and infrastructure.

The monument stands in a small landscaped area with benches, offering a pleasant pause along a street known for its cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. Its accessible setting invites both brief stops and quiet moments of reflection, allowing visitors to appreciate its significance without stepping away from the surrounding urban activity.

Today, this stand-alone statue on Deribasovskaya Street remains a simple but enduring tribute to one of the city’s earliest architects.