The historic centre of the port city of Odesa, in Ukraine, has been inscribed on the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List.
Key points
- According to UNESCO, Odesa, a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts, is thus placed under the reinforced protection of the international community.
- The decision commits the 194 States Parties of the Convention not to undertake any deliberate step that may directly or indirectly damage the World Heritage site and to assist in its protection.
- The Historic Centre of Odesa has also been inscribed on the more than 50-strong List of World Heritage in Danger, which gives it access to reinforced technical and financial international assistance.
- Its location on the shores of the Black Sea allowed it to become one of the most important ports in the Russian empire but the extent of Russian cultural influence on the city is a contentious topic.
