Upper Viewing Platform

Overview

The Upper Viewing Platform of the Potemkin Stairs in Odesa, Ukraine, serves as a magnificent gateway to this historic Black Sea city. More than just the top step of a grand staircase, it is an essential vantage point that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Odesa Gulf, the bustling seaport, and the endless expanse of the sea. Regarded as a formal entrance into the city from the maritime direction, the Potemkin Stairs are Odesa's most recognizable symbol.

This iconic structure, originally built to connect the city's high plateau with its harbor, is famous for an ingenious optical illusion: when standing at the Upper Viewing Platform, looking down, only the broad landings between the flights are visible, making the stairs appear shorter and uniform in width. Conversely, viewing them from the base makes the steps appear as an unbroken cascade, seemingly reaching to the sky.

The stairs stretch for 142 meters, ascend 27 meters in height, and currently consist of 192 steps divided by ten landings. At its widest point at the base, it measures 21.7 meters, narrowing to 12.5 meters at the top, a key element in its optical magic.

History & Cultural Background

The history of the Potemkin Stairs dates back to the mid-19th century. Commissioned by Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov, the regional governor-general, the monumental staircase was constructed between 1837 and 1841. It was conceived as both a grand civic project to provide direct access from the city center to the harbor and as a gift to Vorontsov's wife, Elżbieta.

Swiss architect Francesco Boffo, alongside Avraam Melnikov and Pot'e, designed this architectural marvel. Initially, the stairs were known by various names such as the Boulevard Steps, the Giant Staircase, the Richelieu Steps, or simply the Primorsky Stairs, reflecting their connection to the elegant Primorsky Boulevard.

The stairs gained international renown and their most famous name following the release of Sergei Eisenstein's influential 1925 silent film, 'Battleship Potemkin'. The movie featured a dramatic, albeit fictionalized, scene of a massacre on the stairs during the 1905 mutiny. In 1955, during the Soviet era, the stairs were officially renamed Potemkin Stairs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battleship's uprising. Although post-Ukrainian independence saw the reinstatement of the historic name, Primorsky Stairs, the name 'Potemkin' largely persists in popular culture.

At the very top of the Upper Viewing Platform stands the Monument to Duke de Richelieu, unveiled in 1826. This bronze statue of Odesa's first governor, designed by Ivan Petrovich Martos, was the city's first monument and symbolizes a period of significant growth and prosperity.

What Makes It Special

Beyond its grand scale, what truly distinguishes the Upper Viewing Platform, and indeed the entire staircase, is the masterful application of optical illusion. From this elevated perspective, the unique design, with its broader base and narrower top, makes the entire structure appear to maintain a constant width. The landings become prominent, while the individual steps recede from view, creating a striking visual effect that enhances its monumental presence.

This architectural trick is a testament to 19th-century engineering and design, transforming a functional ascent into a breathtaking aesthetic experience. The stairs are recognized as a monument of 19th-century architecture and were even awarded the title 'The Treasure of European Cinema Culture' in 2015, solidifying their place in cultural heritage.

The Upper Viewing Platform is not merely a point of arrival or departure; it's a dynamic viewpoint where the city's urban fabric meets the vastness of the Black Sea. It connects the historic Primorsky Boulevard, a hub of Odesa's elite, directly with the port, making it a symbolic bridge between land and sea, history and commerce.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Potemkin Stairs, and by extension its Upper Viewing Platform, are steeped in local lore and fascinating anecdotes. Famous literary figures like Mark Twain and Jules Verne are said to have admired the stairs' magnificence, adding to their legendary status.

During its construction, a popular Odesan joke circulated that this expensive project was simply an elaborate means for the bronze Duke de Richelieu statue, positioned at the top, to finally descend to the shore. Odesans, known for their humor, have long embraced the stairs in unique ways. An annual marathon challenges participants to race up the steps, with a remarkable record of 22.8 seconds. Legendary Odesa athlete Sergey Utochkin even daringly descended the stairs on various vehicles, from cars to bicycles, a tradition humorously continued by participants of the first Odesa Humorinas.

Whispers of hidden passages are also part of the stairs' mystique, with local legends suggesting an underground route to the Vorontsov Palace or even concealed treasures belonging to smugglers beneath its arches. Today, the stairs remain a vibrant center for cultural events, hosting concerts, fireworks displays, and film screenings, especially during the Odesa International Film Festival, using the stairs as a spectacular outdoor cinema.

Visitor Perspective

For any traveler exploring Odesa, the Upper Viewing Platform is an indispensable starting point. Access to the Potemkin Stairs, and thus its upper platform, is free and available 24/7, inviting visitors to experience its grandeur at any time. While beautiful year-round, a visit during the summer months allows you to witness the stairs adorned with flowers and decorations, amidst the city's lively festival atmosphere.

From the Upper Viewing Platform, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Duke de Richelieu Monument, marking the historical heart of Odesa. This area seamlessly transitions into the elegant Primorsky Boulevard, where you can stroll amongst historic buildings, charming cafes, and shops, soaking in the city's unique architectural and cultural ambiance. Nearby attractions like the Odesa Opera House, Derybasivska Street, and the City Garden are all within easy reach, making the platform an ideal gateway to further exploration.

While many choose to descend and ascend the 192 steps for the full experience, the Upper Viewing Platform itself offers a complete and rewarding view without the strenuous climb. For those who prefer a less demanding option or wish to enjoy a different perspective, a funicular operates parallel to the stairs, offering a convenient ride up or down. Plan about an hour to fully appreciate the views, capture memorable photographs, and perhaps even take a funicular ride.