
Secrets of Odesa Underground Museum
Explore Odessa's vast underground labyrinth, a former quarry turned WWII shelter and prison, revealing layers of hidden history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat, stay cool inside.

Secrets of Odesa Underground Museum
Best Time
Escape the heat, stay cool inside.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Odessa's vast underground labyrinth, a former quarry turned WWII shelter and prison, revealing layers of hidden history.
"A must visit in Odessa showing the war times. The tour was in the summer, however, the weather was pretty cool inside."

Bring a Translator
English tours can be rare. A Russian speaker can greatly enhance your understanding.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

WWII Resistance Messages
Catacombs Walls
See historical messages left by resistance fighters defending Odesa against Nazis in 1941. A chilling glimpse into the past.

Underground Christian Church
Catacombs
Explore a hidden Christian church within the subterranean network, a testament to faith in unexpected places.

Former Limestone Quarries
Catacombs
Discover the origins of the catacombs as extensive limestone quarries that form the foundation of the city.

Communist Era & Older Tunnels
Catacombs
Journey through tunnels revealing layers of history, from ancient times to the Soviet era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Labyrinth
Tour Logistics & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Translator
English tours can be rare. A Russian speaker can greatly enhance your understanding.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Availability
Information online can be limited. Confirm tour times and language options in advance. :calendar:
Bargain for Private Tours
If seeking a private English tour, be prepared to negotiate prices with local guides. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Translator
English tours can be rare. A Russian speaker can greatly enhance your understanding.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Availability
Information online can be limited. Confirm tour times and language options in advance. :calendar:
Bargain for Private Tours
If seeking a private English tour, be prepared to negotiate prices with local guides. :moneywithwings:
Cool Inside
Even in summer, the catacombs maintain a cool temperature. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Odesa Catacombs a fascinating and historically significant site, offering a unique glimpse into the city's past, from its quarry origins to its role in wartime. The cool temperatures and impressive scale are often highlighted. However, a significant drawback for many is the scarcity of English-speaking guides and the sometimes unclear logistical information regarding tour times and return transportation.
"A must visit in Odessa showing the war times. The tour was in the summer, however, the weather was pretty cool inside.
Only issue is was the tour times as I could not find much info in the internet.
A private English tour may cost around 500 with a local guide but you have to bargain with them.
Highly recommended."
Abdullah Ali
"These former limestone quarries are really a must in Odessa (there are several of them around the city stretching for tens of kilometres). You may visit this one with the excursion. It is not physically demanding and the helmet is provided in case taller people would hit the ceiling. Guides are really great and it is absolutely impressive."
darius savolskis
"Very interesting tour. I took a Russian language group tour but I only speak English, this not a problem as they had plaques in English at each stop. Fee was only $10 paid directly at the museum."
Kevin Morris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the catacombs is typically via guided tours. Some tours include transportation, but be aware that return transport might not always be provided, requiring you to walk back to the city center.
Some tour operators offer pick-up services, but this is not always standard. It's best to confirm transportation details when booking your tour.
The museum entrance is often reached via organized tours. If traveling independently, confirm the exact meeting point with your tour provider.
The catacombs are a vast network, and specific entrances can be tricky to find without a guide. Relying on tour operators is generally recommended.
Taxis can take you to the general vicinity, but it's advisable to have the specific meeting point for your tour confirmed to avoid confusion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General group tours can be quite affordable, with one visitor mentioning a fee of only $10. Private tours will be more expensive and may require bargaining.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, as tour availability and times can be limited and information online is scarce.
English-speaking guides are not always guaranteed. Some tours may have English plaques at stops, or you might need to bring a translator.
Specific opening hours can be difficult to find online. It's best to check with tour operators directly for their scheduled tour times.
Yes, there is a museum dedicated to the 'Secrets of Underground Odessa' that offers guided tours into parts of the catacombs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven. The temperature inside is cool, so a light jacket might be advisable even in summer.
The tours are generally not considered physically demanding, but involve walking through tunnels. Helmets are provided for taller individuals.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good to confirm with your guide. The low light conditions can make for dramatic shots.
The temperature inside the catacombs remains consistently cool, around 10-15°C (50-59°F), regardless of the season.
Exploring the catacombs without a guide is extremely dangerous due to their size and complexity. Stick to official guided tours for safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for dramatic lighting, historical inscriptions, and unique underground formations. The sheer scale of the tunnels is also impressive.
Yes, it is quite dark. Bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities or a small portable light can be helpful for capturing details.
It's best to ask your guide about flash photography. In some historical or sensitive areas, it might be restricted to preserve the site.
Experiment with higher ISO settings and wider apertures to capture detail in low light. Tripods might be difficult to use in narrow passages.
Your guide will likely point out areas of historical significance or visual interest that make for great photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Scale of the Catacombs
Beyond their wartime significance, the catacombs have also been used as fallout shelters and even, in some sections, as a women's prison. The sheer scale and multi-layered history make them a fascinating, albeit sometimes eerie, destination. Exploring them provides a unique perspective on Odesa's hidden past and the resilience of its people.
Navigating and Experiencing the Underground
When preparing for your visit, comfortable and sturdy footwear is paramount, as the paths can be uneven and damp. The temperature inside the catacombs remains consistently cool, typically around 10-15°C (50-59°F), making it a welcome respite from summer heat but potentially requiring a light jacket. While photography is usually permitted, always check with your guide, and be prepared for low-light conditions that can create dramatic and atmospheric shots. The experience is often described as impressive and eye-opening, offering a glimpse into a hidden facet of Odesa's history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit