Since June 25, archaeological excavations have been underway on Primorsky Boulevard in Odesa. 

These efforts, conducted with the approval of the Odesa City Council, are being carried out by students from the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushinsky in collaboration with specialists from the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. 

On July 14, the rector of the pedagogical university, Andriy Krasnozhon, presented the expedition's findings to Odesa's mayor, Hennadiy Trukhanov.

Among the most significant discoveries are archaeological materials of Genoese origin from the 14th century, found near the monument to Duke de Richelieu. These findings indicate that the monument was erected on a cultural layer of the Italian Ginestra, which was later transformed during the Ottoman Empire. Remnants of fortifications from that time were also uncovered near the funicular. 

According to Andriy Krasnozhon, the area around the monument has already been preserved. The next step will involve determining the boundaries of the ancient fortress through trenching, for which several test pits are planned to be dug. 

The territory where Odesa is located today has deep multi-national roots. Its natural landscape has historically supported port functions: the lands were used for military and logistical purposes by various states that did not develop urban infrastructure.

The urban development of Odesa began only at the end of the 18th century — following the capture of the Ottoman fortress by commander Jose de Ribas. 

As a result of the meeting, the mayor instructed his advisor, Attilio Malliani, to organize cooperation between the Odesa Pedagogical University and the University of Genoa, as well as to initiate research in Italian archives.