Among the many tourist attractions in Odessa, there are several well-known landmarks that draw visitors with their history and ambiance. However, one stands out in particular due to its eerie legend, which sends shivers down the spine and sparks curiosity. This place is the "Stairs of the Dead," located on Deribasovskaya Street, connecting the central part of the city with Polish Descent.
According to legend, the staircase got its name from a terrifying tale associated with the first female serial killer in Odessa. In the mid-19th century, men, primarily sailors, began to disappear from the city. It was later revealed that this was due to a woman named Rosa, who was allegedly involved in prostitution and subsequently murdered her clients.
Rosa lived near the stairs and took advantage of the darkness to commit her crimes at night. In total, she is said to have taken the lives of several dozen men. Eventually, Rosa was sentenced to death, but her chilling story left a mark in the city's legends. According to the tale, her ghost still roams around, frightening men.
0However, this staircase is not only famous for its grim legend but also for its cinematic history. It has appeared in several well-known films. In 1957, a scene from the movie "Pages of the Past" was filmed here. In 1983, the stairs became the setting for the film "The Adventures of Petrov and Vasechkin" – where schoolchildren attempted to tame Masha Starceva. In 1988, the final scene of the first episode of the comedy "Primorsky Boulevard" was shot here, and this staircase can also be seen in the series "Liquidation" (2007).
1The staircase has been preserved to this day almost in its original form. It is made of lava slabs, which over time have not even developed cracks. The staircase still maintains its authenticity and attracts tourists not only with its legends but also with its cinematic charm.
2Previously, we shared information about the store "Golden Key", which has not survived to this day.