Shevchenko Park features 700 meters of coastline, historic alleys, and over two centuries of history in the very heart of Odesa. The park sprawls across the territory of a former Turkish fortress and still preserves traces of different eras — from Crimean War cannons to Soviet-era amusement rides. In this article — a detailed guide to the city’s oldest park: what you must see, where to go with children, and how to get there from Arcadia.
Brief History of the Park
The park was founded in 1875 on the site of the Turkish fortress Yeni-Dünya (meaning “New World” in translation), which Russian troops captured in 1789 under the command of José de Ribas. Until 1920, the park was called Alexandrovsky — in honor of Emperor Alexander II.
Key Dates
- 1789 — storming of Yeni-Dünya fortress, beginning of Russian control over the territory
- 1875 — official opening of Alexandrovsky Park
- 1920 — renaming in honor of Taras Shevchenko
- 1966 — installation of the Monument to the Unknown Sailor with the Eternal Flame
- 2000s — major reconstruction of alleys and infrastructure
The park covers approximately 38 hectares, making it one of the largest green areas in central Odesa. Over 100 species of trees and shrubs grow on the territory, including rare plane trees planted back in the 19th century.
Main Landmarks of the Park
Shevchenko Park is not just a green zone but a true open-air museum. Several iconic Odesa landmarks are concentrated here.
Monument to the Unknown Sailor
The 21-meter-high obelisk was erected in 1960 in honor of the sailors who defended Odesa in 1941. An Eternal Flame burns at its base, and the viewing platform offers a panorama of the Odesa Bay. Memorial ceremonies are held here annually on May 9 and April 10 (Odesa Liberation Day).
Colonnade and Viewing Platform
The white colonnade in classical style is one of the most popular photo backdrops in Odesa. From the platform, you can see the port, Vorontsov Lighthouse, and the marine terminal. The height above sea level is approximately 50 meters, providing views of 10-15 kilometers on a clear day.
Chornomorets Stadium
The home arena of the football club of the same name holds 34,164 spectators. The stadium was built in 1936 and underwent complete reconstruction in 2011 for Euro 2012. It borders the park on the western side, and on match days the area fills with fans.
Turkish Cannons
Near the entrance from Marazliyivska Street stand authentic cannons from the Yeni-Dünya fortress — trophies from the 1789 storming. These are among the oldest artifacts in Odesa, over 230 years old.
| Landmark | Year Created | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Monument to the Unknown Sailor | 1960 | 21 m obelisk, Eternal Flame |
| Colonnade | 1950s | Panoramic view of the bay |
| Turkish Cannons | 18th century | Original 1789 trophies |
| Shevchenko Monument | 1966 | 6 m bronze sculpture |
| Alley of Glory | 1960s | Memorial plaques to heroes |
What to Do in the Park: Activities for Different Interests
The park is suitable for both leisurely strolls and active recreation. Here’s what you can do depending on your preferences.
For Families with Children
- Luna Park — attractions operate from April to October, free entry, each ride costs from 50 to 150 UAH
- Playgrounds — renovated play areas in the eastern part of the park
- Petting Zoo — a small contact zoo with rabbits, goats, and birds, entry 30-50 UAH
- Children’s electric car rental — 100-150 UAH for 15 minutes
For Sports Enthusiasts
- Running paths — route around the park perimeter approximately 2.5 km
- Workout area — pull-up bars, parallel bars, wall bars near the stadium
- Bike rental — 100-200 UAH/hour, available near the main entrance
- Table tennis — free tables in the southern part
For History Lovers
Walk along the Alley of Glory, examine the memorial plaques, and visit the open-air museum near the colonnade. Information boards tell about the defense of Odesa in 1941 in Ukrainian and English.
Practical Information for Visitors
To plan your visit, consider several practical points.
Opening Hours
The park is open 24/7, but attractions and cafes operate on their own schedules. Luna Park usually opens at 10:00-11:00 and operates until 21:00-22:00 in season (May-September). In winter, some entertainment is closed.
Infrastructure
| Service | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Public toilets | 3 locations | 10-15 UAH |
| Cafes and kiosks | 10+ spots | Coffee from 40 UAH, ice cream from 25 UAH |
| Wi-Fi | Areas near cafes | Free |
| Benches | Throughout the territory | Free |
| Parking | Marazliyivska St. | 30-50 UAH/hour |
Safety
The park is patrolled by municipal guards and police. Lighting works until 23:00 on main alleys. In the evening, it’s better to stay on central pathways.
How to Get There from Arcadia
If you’re staying at the Sunday Rooms apart-hotel in Arcadia, you can reach Shevchenko Park in several ways.
Public Transport
From the “Arcadia” stop, tram #5 runs to the “Shevchenko Park” stop in 20-25 minutes. Fare is 10 UAH, with 10-15 minute intervals. An alternative is minibus #137, which goes via French Boulevard.
Taxi and Car Sharing
A taxi ride from Arcadia to the park costs 80-120 UAH depending on the service and time of day. The trip takes 10-15 minutes without traffic. Car sharing (Getmancar, Ocar) — from 8 UAH/minute.
On Foot or by Bicycle
The distance from Arcadia to Shevchenko Park is about 5 kilometers along the sea. On foot, this is approximately 1 hour, by bicycle — 20-25 minutes. The route passes through French Boulevard and the Health Trail — a scenic walk with sea views.
Tips for Visiting
Here are some recommendations to make your park visit as comfortable as possible.
- Best time for photos — morning before 10:00 or evening after 18:00, when the sun doesn’t overexpose shots with sea views
- Avoid weekends — on Saturday and Sunday the park is overcrowded, especially in warm weather
- Bring water — drinking fountains exist but not everywhere
- Comfortable shoes — some alleys are covered with old cobblestones
- Cash — some kiosks don’t accept cards
For those planning an extended walk, we recommend combining a park visit with a trip to Lanzheron — the beach is located just beyond the eastern edge of the park, the descent takes 5-7 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time is needed to explore Shevchenko Park?
For a basic tour of the main landmarks, 1-1.5 hours is enough. If you plan to visit attractions, cafes, or simply sit on a bench with a sea view, allow 2-3 hours.
Is the park suitable for walks with a stroller?
Yes, the central alleys are paved and accessible for strollers. There are ramps at the main entrances. Avoid side paths — uneven surfaces may occur there.
Are there picnic spots in the park?
There are no official picnic zones, but many people settle on the lawns in the southern part of the park. Trash bins are available, cleaning up after yourself is mandatory.
How to get to the park from central Odesa?
From Derybasivska — 15 minutes on foot via Pushkinska and Marazliyivska streets. Tram #5 runs from the railway station directly to the park in 20 minutes.
Does the park operate in winter?
The park itself is open year-round. Attractions and most cafes close from November to March. In winter, it’s quiet and deserted here — a good option for a peaceful walk.
Shevchenko Park is a place where Odesa’s history intertwines with the city’s everyday life. Ancient cannons, panoramic views, and cozy alleys make it a must-visit for anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of authentic Odesa. And by staying at the Sunday Rooms apart-hotel in Arcadia, you can easily reach the park and combine cultural activities with beach relaxation on the coast.