An interesting place to pop into if passing. But shops were a lot less interesting than the building.
An unexpected, but lovely arcade, particularly lovely with the sun shining through the glass roof. It just cries out for some trendy shops, or perhaps a cafe or two. With the lovely architecture, it was a little jarring to see a couple of posters in windows promoting some kind of establishment having to do with scantily clad women upstairs. With a little development this could be something special!
Across the street from the Preobrazhenskiy Orthodox Cathedral, another beautiful example of the architecture of Odessa that needs restoration. Great all weather attraction due to its glass ceilings, this place is an L shaped space. When entering from the cathedral side through the most ornate opening on the block, it doesn't look like much at first, but the farther you walk into it the grander it becomes. As you turn left, be sure to notice the two dramatic entrances directly across from each other that are lavishly adorned with sculptures.
Passage must have been so grand in its day as a wonderful arcade with high glass roof - and would have been 'the' place to be seen. But it is currently a little down at heal - the shops are of interest for tourists (souvenirs, handicrafts, etc).Please, Odessa - bring it back to its former glory!!
In its heyday it would have been the place to shop and be seen. Now the shops are mainly handicraft and looking rather tired. However the exterior makes up for it. It could be come a popular arcade with a clean up and better shops.
Ok, so Passage is not for everyone. It is a shopping covered cut through to Derebasovskaya from Preobrazhenskaya ulitsa. But while the stores are mainly "keech" the architecture of the Passage is pretty special. And it is a good place to "hide" from the busier streets or the rain.
As a Milan born Italian, I was pretty curious about this galleria when I first heard about it. From the outside it doesn't show, but the passage hides a beautiful gallery with plenty of decorations. Unfortunately shops do not live up to the quality of the building and it is a pity that this building is not a center of attraction as it deserves. Che peccato!
It is located inside a non-descript two-tone building. Not as impressive as the galleries throughout London, Milan or even Naples but one can imagine that this was once very grand. Now it is just filled with souvenir shops, a ceramics shop and a small appliance store. Restrooms (for a fee) are located in the underground crosswalk near the passage/gallery.
The archtecture of the Passage is pretty and there are many shops here. These are craft and a couple of souvenir shops. It is not signposted well off Deribasovskya Street and it is possible to miss. Nice to see but not desperately needed for an Odessa itinerary.
When going along Deribasovskaya, don't forget to turn left right after you pass the city garden, the galleria is there. I made some pics of it, so you may imagine how beautiful this place is.