Monument to Unknown Sailor, Odessa

In the coastal city of Odesa stands the memorial known as the Monument to the Unknown Sailor, erected in 1960 to honour the sailors of the Soviet Navy who lost their lives during the 1944 Odesa Operation. The monument occupies a prominent place within Shevchenko Park and is located at the head of a pathway known as the Alley of Glory, bordered by the graves of fallen seamen.

The central structure is a 21-metre-high obelisk made of red granite, a solemn vertical form rising from the park’s grounds as a visible tribute to the unknown sailors. At its base burns an eternal flame, symbolising an unending remembrance of those who perished at sea and in battle.

Construction of the memorial began in 1957 and reached completion on 9 May 1960, timed to coincide with the commemoration of victory in the Second World War era. Over the years, the monument has attracted visits by government leaders, naval delegations from other nations, and cadets standing guard during public ceremonies.

For visitors, the Monument to the Unknown Sailor offers a moment of reflection amid the lively bustle of Odesa. The pathway of the Alley of Glory invites a slower pace, and a pause by the flame and obelisk presents a chance to connect with the city’s wartime past. It also commands striking views over the surrounding park area, and at dusk, the flame and granite take on a subdued glow, enhancing the calm, solemn atmosphere.