In a stunning archaeological breakthrough, researchers in Odesa have uncovered Genoese artifacts from the 14th century near the famed Duke de Richelieu monument on Primorsky Boulevard, revealing the long-lost presence of an Italian fortress named Ginestre — predating the better-known Ottoman stronghold of Hadjibey.
The discovery was made during a three-week excavation by students and scholars from South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University and the Institute of Archaeology of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences. Expedition leader and university rector Andriy Krasnozhon described the find as “exceptionally successful,” noting its significance in extending Odesa’s documented history far beyond the Russian imperial era.
A New Chapter in Odesa’s Layered History
Until now, it was known that beneath the Duke de Richelieu statue lay remnants of a 6th century BCE Greek colony, followed centuries later by the Ottoman fortress of Hadjibey. The new evidence of a Genoese outpost bridges these periods, offering tangible proof of the region’s medieval European ties and reinforcing the notion that Odesa was a cultural and geopolitical crossroads long before its modern founding.
According to Ivan Liptuga, head of Odesa’s Department of Culture, “This is a major event for the city, the country, and historical scholarship.” He emphasized that the presence of an Italian fortress enhances the universal value of Odesa’s historic center, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
A Medieval Port City Resurfaces
The fortress of Ginestre, previously known only from vague historical references, would have served as a coastal trading post for Genoese merchants who were active across the Black Sea in the Middle Ages. Its existence underscores the deep Italian influence in the northern Black Sea region, from trade routes to fortification styles, and marks Odesa as a once-critical node in pan-European maritime commerce.
With the excavation season now closed, researchers plan to publish more detailed findings in the coming months. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s archaeological landscape continues to captivate: not far from Odesa, the “Trypillian Culture” reserve recently unveiled a pavilion housing 6,000-year-old pottery kilns — yet another layer in the country’s vast and diverse cultural timeline.
As Odesa rebuilds and redefines its identity amid ongoing challenges, this medieval discovery offers not just a glimpse into the past, but a symbol of the city’s enduring role as a bridge between East and West.
Photo: Andriy Krasnozhon
