Hotel Odessa

Allow me to share a little anecdote today, a personal experience from one of my numerous visits to Odessa.

In the image provided above, you can admire the Port of Odessa. The Port boasts a striking white structure that stands proudly on a pier, immediately signaling its association with Odessa. All the photographs in this post were taken in Odessa in 2019, capturing the moments when I found myself above the staircase, gazing down at the Port.

This port happens to be the largest in Eastern Europe, serving primarily as a freight port. Should you take a closer look, you may even catch sight of military ships. However, due to security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I refrained from photographing these ships. Furthermore, even if I had taken any pictures, I would not have shared them out of respect for the prevailing war situation. These military vessels were cleverly concealed among others, necessitating a second glance to discern their presence.

Now, let us return to the day when I stood there, capturing photographs of the port. As I immersed myself in this task, an unexpected encounter emerged as a man approached me, initiating a conversation. Gradually, he proceeded to unveil the backstory of the enigmatic white building - a narrative with which I was only partially acquainted.

This very structure turned out to be a hotel, known as the Hotel Odessa, yet it stood in a state of closure. Upon closer inspection, it resembled a colossal haunted mansion. Slowly but surely, the relentless march of time had caused it to succumb to rust, particularly where steel had been employed. Through the windows, one could gaze into its barren interior, as if it had never been occupied. Up until that moment, my knowledge of this building's history remained limited. However, the details imparted by the stranger were simultaneously sorrowful, amusing, and peculiar, rendering the account highly intriguing.

According to this gentleman, the tale he recounted could easily rival that of a captivating novel. He explained that the hotel had been erected during the bygone era of the Soviet Union, signifying a significant undertaking. After all, constructing a hotel atop a floating pier presented numerous challenges. The architect in charge meticulously calculated the precise weight capacity of the pier before commencing the project. Once the calculations and planning were finalized, the hotel began to rise, leaving an indelible trace on the Port's skyline.

Upon completion, the hotel appeared nothing short of perfection, a symbol of Odessa that was instantly recognizable to all. Though it was christened with a befitting name, an unforeseen issue emerged. As it turned out, the architect's calculations were immaculate and precise, a true masterpiece. However, there was one element overlooked - the inclusion of furniture and people. When the hotel was fully furnished and occupied, it became apparent that the weight exceeded the pier's original aegis. As a result, the pier began to sink, slowly submerging the hotel until it found itself submerged up to its midsection in water.

Although the story relayed by this stranger held an undeniable allure, I remain uncertain regarding its veracity. What are your thoughts on the matter? Would you like to hear more facts about Odessa?