The Preservation of Historical Architecture in Odessa, Ukraine: A Tale of Soviet Times and Independence

I recently had the privilege of traveling to Odessa, Ukraine, and was quite surprised by the lack of Soviet-style apartment buildings. However, I am glad that many 19th century structures were preserved and made Odessa a rich tapestry of historical beauty. I believe that destroying all of Odessa's unique architecture would have been an even more egregious act according to any standard, communist or otherwise.

The Soviet regime attempted to demolish many of these buildings, but did not succeed in their entirety. Religion was one of the primary targets of the communists, and as a result, two of the biggest architectural wonders in Odessa were destroyed. One of the biggest and most beautiful Orthodox cathedrals in the city, the Odessa Cathedral, was razed due to its “lack of architectural value.” However, during Ukraine's independence, this cathedral was restored and now proudly stands on Soborna Square. It has become a traditional gathering place for artists to sell their paintings.

Another significant destruction wrought by the Soviets was the Lutheran church, Kirkha. It was converted into a gym and a toilet for nearby school sportsmen. Eventually, it caught fire in the 1970s and was abandoned, but during Ukraine's independence, it was restored to its former glory. Today, it is one of the most beautiful and iconic churches in Odessa.

A notable detail about the church's history is that the statue of Catherine the Great, a monarch instrumental in the city's establishment, was replaced with a grotesque Soviet-style monument to Potemkin sailors. After Ukraine's independence, the original statue was restored, and the houses surrounding Catherine Square were renovated. The square now boasts a stunning appearance, a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its heritage.

It is important to note that immediately after the Soviet Union's foundation, it was a poorly developed country with limited resources. As a result, it was not financially feasible to demolish and rebuild cities at will. Instead, the Soviet regime nationalized old apartments and divided them into small sections for shared living spaces, known as kommunalka. After World War II and some economic improvement, Odessa became a popular tourist destination. The government had no reason to destroy all the old buildings in favor of a new “socialist paradise.” Instead, modern districts were developed on the outskirts of the city.

Ultimately, the Soviet regime, despite being inhuman and totalitarian, was pragmatic and focused on directing resources towards its most important goals. Demolishing many ordinary churches was acceptable since they represented an ideological alternative to Communism. However, valuable architecture was preserved as a symbol of high culture and a source of revenue from foreign tourists.

The Odessa Opera Theatre, a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage, stood tall in the late 19th century, and it continued to thrive until 1989. These historical buildings serve as a reminder of Odessa's resilience and dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.