My first night in Odessa I was up from 2am so watching Belarus tv in mute. I left the apartment about 9am. There was supposed to be a Smugglers Museum the corner from my hotel but I didnt see it. I carried on walking admiring the city apartment architecture. 

There were city walking maps which showed the 'Witch House' or house with one wall. I couldnt find it so carried on walking. I walked past some of the famous houses and made my way to the Shah's Palace another stately home. 


 

 
 




















 







 

I'd stopped by a supermarket and got a drink and apple bun for 20 UH ($1). The famous Potomkin Stairs were closed for renovations so I headed back thru the City Garden towards the main cathedral. 

 
 



















 










 
I passed thru the Passages Arcade, a century old shopping mall but it seemed oddly deserted with no active retail stores. The cathedral was nearby and had a clean white interior with no mural art in other orthodox churches. 

 
 

Leaving I headed south thru a central avenue parkette which is used as a book market and household goods. In the distance I could see coloured domes from a church so made my way over. 

 
 

The Holy Virgin Assumption Cathedral is off the tourist trail in the historic core but more in line of my experience of Orthodox churches with elaborate mural art. 

 
 
 


























 



















 
A few blocks to the east was the Tatar Mosque which had a security guard posted outside. I didnt know if it was locked but the main door was open. 

 
 

Heading north I saw the Holy Trinity Church which is closed for repair work. Nearby is the Synagogue. Again there was a guard outside who guided me to the entrance. I had to wear a cap and visitors are only allowed in the rear section. 

 
 

Finally I made my way back the Philharmonic Hall towards my hotel to look for some lunch and get some rest after all the walking.  
  





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