Odesa’s City Center Yields a 2,500-Year-Old Ancient Greek Fortress, Archaeologists Report

Ancient Greek Fortress Discovery in Odesa

According to Radiotrek — Світ: Serhiy Lysak, head of the Odesa City Military Administration, announced that archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient Greek fortress approximately 2,500 years old on Prymorskyi Boulevard. This find, made during the fourth season of excavations, marks a major achievement in understanding the region's history. Lysak emphasized that despite ongoing enemy terror and attempts to erase Ukraine’s past, Odesa continues to reveal its heritage to the world.

Excavations and Their Implications

The dig on Prymorskyi Boulevard has now entered its fourth consecutive season. In addition to the ancient Greek defensive structure, the team has unearthed artifacts from the Genoese and Ottoman periods. The so-called “Greek walls” include a 5th-century BCE ancient Greek defensive wall found in the city center. This summer’s headline archaeological find disproves the Soviet-era myth that Odesa was founded “on an empty site” in 1794.

• Odesa’s official City Day in 2026 will be celebrated on September 2.
• On May 31, 2026, a large cultural and educational festival called “Odesa 611” took place.

The discovery of an ancient Greek fortress in Odesa underscores the importance of archaeological research for understanding the region’s rich cultural heritage. It not only expands knowledge of ancient civilizations that once existed on the territory of modern Ukraine but also boosts local and tourist interest in the city’s history. The excavation activities may further catalyze cultural initiatives and the preservation of Odesa’s historical legacy. As a key Black Sea port, Odesa’s layered past continues to be uncovered, challenging long-held narratives about its origins.