Duke de Richelieu Monument | Odesa

The Duke de Richelieu Monument is a bronze statue located in Odesa, Ukraine.

It commemorates Armand Emmanuel du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu, the former Governor-General of New Russia.

Visual Characteristics

The monument features a bronze statue of the Duke of Richelieu, depicted in a Roman toga, standing on a granite pedestal. The pedestal is composed of three tiers, with the lower two constructed from polished grey granite and the top tier from red granite. The statue itself is approximately 3 meters tall.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is situated at the top of the Potemkin Stairs, at the intersection of Primorsky Boulevard and Pushkinskaya Street in Odesa. It is approximately 1 kilometer from the city center. Vehicle access to Primorsky Boulevard is restricted; parking is available on adjacent streets such as Pushkinskaya Street or Lanzheronovskaya Street, with metered parking zones. Public transport options include bus routes 110, 190, and trolleybus route 10, which stop near the Prymorsky Boulevard entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was designed by sculptor Ivan Martos and architect Jean-François Thomas de Thomon. It was erected in 1828, six years after the Duke's death. The original purpose was to honor his contributions to the development and administration of Odesa and the surrounding region during his tenure as Governor-General from 1803 to 1814.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the detailed craftsmanship of the bronze statue and the granite pedestal. The monument serves as a focal point for photographs with the Potemkin Stairs and the Odesa Port in the background. The surrounding Primorsky Boulevard offers pedestrian walkways for exploration.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of the Potemkin Stairs and along Primorsky Boulevard. Shade is provided by trees lining the boulevard. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. Food vendors and cafes are located along Primorsky Boulevard.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions, avoiding direct overhead sun. The best months for visiting are May through September, offering generally mild weather. No specific tide requirements are applicable.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the Duke's statue was initially intended to face the sea, but due to a miscalculation in the pedestal's placement, it ended up facing inland. However, historical records indicate the placement was deliberate to face the city he helped build.

Nearby Landmarks

• Potemkin Stairs (0km North)
• Odesa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (0.3km West)
• Archaeological Museum of Odesa (0.4km West)
• City Garden (0.6km Northwest)
• Monument to the Unknown Sailor (1.2km East)