Porto-Franco City

Since June 25, archaeological excavations have been ongoing on Primorsky Boulevard in Odesa. 

These activities are conducted by students from the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky in collaboration with specialists from the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. 

On July 14, the rector of the pedagogical university, Andriy Krasnozhon, presented the expedition results to the mayor of Odesa, Hennadiy Trukhanov.

Among the most significant finds are 14th-century Genoese archaeological materials discovered near the monument to Duke de Richelieu. These findings indicate that the monument is situated on a cultural layer of the Italian Ginestra, which was later transformed during the Ottoman Empire. Remains of fortifications from that era have been found near the funicular. 

Andriy Krasnozhon reported that the area around the monument has already been conserved. The next step will be determining the boundaries of the ancient fortress through tracing, with plans to establish several test pits. 

The territory where Odesa is located has deep multinational roots. Its natural landscape has historically facilitated its port function: the lands were used for military and logistical purposes by various states that did not develop urban infrastructure.

Urban development only began in the late 18th century — after the capture of the Ottoman fortress by commander Jose de Ribas. 

Following the meeting, the mayor instructed his advisor Attilio Malliani to organize collaboration between Odesa Pedagogical University and the University of Genoa, as well as to initiate research in Italian archives.