Odessa Fortress is perhaps one of the oldest defensive structures in the city. Its history is full of ups and downs.
Almost two centuries ago, on the site of the central Taras Shevchenko Park of Culture and Recreation, the Turkish fortress of Hadzhibey proudly stood. After it was captured by Russian troops, it was almost completely dismantled for building materials.
At the end of the 18th century, the fortress was rebuilt, ironically enough... by the Russians. The construction of this defensive structure was initiated by Alexander Suvorov. However, after another Russo-Turkish war, the citadel in this place was no longer needed.
At present, Odessa Fortress is in a very poor condition. Of the structure, only part of the wall with the powder tower and the Andreevsky Bastion remains. In the preserved part of this fortification, the museum «Memorable Dates in the History of the City» is located.
Odessa Fortress offers a very picturesque view of the seaport. And connoisseurs claim that many supernatural beings can be encountered in and around the citadel. Some even allegedly saw the ghost of Sonka the Golden Hand here, who was sent from here to penal servitude for life.
