Yuzhne: Squares, Art and Proximity to the Beach

Yuzhne, known as Yuzhne until it was renamed in 2024, displays a range of cultural influences in its public spaces: squares recall partner cities, sculptures draw on Ukrainian motifs, and the park and promenade are close to the beach. These places offer different ways to get to know the city through its themes.

Thematically Designed Squares

Malenka Hruziia Square opened in 2017 and was dedicated to the partner city of Kobuleti. Wine amphorae, grapevines and a depiction of a mountainous landscape draw on Georgian national symbols. Together, the dedication and design refer to Georgia.

Chinese Garden Square opened in 2018 and recalls the partnership with the city of Panzhou. Its design includes a wooden bridge and a ginkgo tree sculpture, donated by Panzhou in 2021. The dates refer to different events: the square's opening in 2018 and the sculpture's donation in 2021. In contrast to the Georgian motifs, the bridge and tree sculpture take center stage here.

Art in Public Spaces

A square with wrought-iron sculptures was created in 2010 during the Ukrainian folk art festival “Ukraina, Yoi!” The artworks include the arch “Veselka vid moria do stepu” (Rainbow from the Sea to the Steppe), the art umbrella “Mystetstvo” (Art), a Tryzub and the “Mapa Ukrainy” (Map of Ukraine) sundial. The “Koval-fest” festival was held annually from 2010 to 2017.

Turkish Square also opened in 2018, in the presence of a delegation from the Turkish partner city of Kemer. Its appearance includes stone design elements, structures shaped like Turkish amphorae, and sculptures depicting the rocks of Cappadocia. Unlike Chinese Garden Square, whose design includes a wooden bridge and a ginkgo sculpture, amphorae and Cappadocian rocks define the scene here.

Park and Promenade Close to the Beach

Primorsky Park and the promenade opened in 2015 and are close to the beach. The park has a fountain, flowers, pavilions and benches. With its green space and location near the beach, the park offers a different focus from the thematically designed squares. The park has a fountain, flowers, pavilions and benches. Together, they offer a different focus in the cityscape from the thematically designed squares: greenery and proximity to the beach sit alongside the partnerships and public art. For travelers who value this connection to the beach, the park and promenade offer a distinct point of reference.

City History and Visual Arts

The city museum has three exhibition rooms, including “Ukrainska svitlytsia” and “Istoriia Yuzhnoho z pershoho kilochka ta suchasnist”. The titles range in theme from the Ukrainian living room to the history of Yuzhne from the first stake to the present day. The municipal art gallery is one of the city's first art spaces and attracts many people interested in visual art. If you plan to visit the museum or gallery, check the current visiting options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Pidhirne, Kiliya, Svitlohirs'ke, Reni, Prymors'ke, Mizikevycha, Arzis, Baraboi

For the broader travel overview: Odesa Oblast.