This Soviet collectible postcard from 1973 depicts a view looking up the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa, capturing the architectural and transport landscape of the era.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground shows the granite steps and landings of the Potemkin Stairs. To the left of the stairs is the covered passenger escalator gallery, which operated during the Soviet period instead of the historical funicular. At the top of the stairs, the monument to Duke de Richelieu and one of the semi-circular historic buildings on Primorsky Boulevard are visible. Pedestrians are seen walking up and down the stairs.
Historical note
The Potemkin Stairs were designed in the first half of the 19th century by architects F. Boffo and A. Melnikov, with construction completed in 1841. In 1970, a two-track escalator gallery was built next to the stairs to replace the old single-track funicular, operating until the late 1990s.
Present day
Today, the Potemkin Stairs are designated as a monument of cultural heritage of national significance in Ukraine. In 2005, a modern funicular was restored to service in place of the escalator, providing transport from Prymorska Street to Primorsky Boulevard.
Location (map)
Address: Primorsky Boulevard, Odessa, Odessa Oblast, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.488200, 30.741200
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa.
Questions and answers
- What is the structure located to the left of the stairs? To the left is the covered escalator gallery, which was opened in 1970 to replace the historical funicular.
- What year was this postcard published? The postcard was published in 1973.
- What historical building is visible at the top? At the top of the stairs, one of the classical semi-circular buildings of Primorsky Boulevard is visible.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Odesa from 1973.
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