Passage, Odessa (must see)

Odessa Passage is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, often described as a “palace for shoppers.” Located on Deribasovskaya Street, this late 19th-century architectural gem combines the elegance of a luxury arcade with the charm of a grand hotel. Built between 1898 and 1899 by architect Lev Vlodek, the Passage was designed in the Neo-Baroque style, adorned with lavish stucco decorations, sculptures, and a glass roof that floods the interior with natural light. From the moment visitors step inside, they are met with a dazzling display of art and craftsmanship that reflects the optimism and prosperity of Odessa’s golden age.

The building served both as a commercial and residential complex, with boutiques and offices on the lower levels and hotel rooms above. In its early years, the Passage was one of the most prestigious addresses in Odessa, hosting elegant shops, cafés, and salons. The glass-covered atrium remains the focal point, featuring sculptures of mythological figures and allegorical representations of trade, industry, and agriculture—symbols of the city’s thriving port economy.

Today, Odessa Passage continues to function as a mix of shopping arcade and hotel, preserving its fin-de-siècle grandeur while adapting to modern life. Small souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, and restaurants line its walkways, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s blend of old and new.

A visit to the Passage is more than a shopping trip—it’s a step back into a time when Odessa was among the most sophisticated ports on the Black Sea.