Falz-Feins Castle didn’t please its residents and visitors with its beauty for much time. Despite the Civil War and Soviet authorities battered the palace, it hasn’t lost its charm. There are the remains of the arboretum that has grown around the castle grounds and matched the local views quite nicely. The manor was a little paradise with its spectacular fish and wild animals. So, read the whole article to learn more about the history of the castle and see how it stands today.
The history of the Falz-Fein family
The Falz-Feins are the noble-born Russian-Liechtenstein family. They put their hearts into the development of the Ukrainian southern region. The first of the Falz-Feins arrived in this land by Catherine’s II decree in 1763. The Falz-Feins promoted the culture of farming, horse- and sheep-breeding in the southern region for more than 100 years. They hadn’t bondslaves like other noblemen, but they took the local schools and hospitals under their wings.
By the 20th century, the family became business leaders in the south of Ukraine through the diligence of Sofia Bogdanova Falz-Fein. Back then, she founded the Goldfish brand that was known even in Europe. Sofia traded tinned meat and fish in the Russian Empire and abroad. Askania-Nova Reserve, some houses in Odesa, warm-water port in Khorly belonged to the Falz-Feins.
Nowadays, the family crypt, park in Khorly, and marvelous castle in Novooleksandrivka village remind us about the Falz-Feins.
How the manor emerged
The castle was built by Alexander Eduardovich Falz-Fein in the early 20th century. The manor was designed in Neoclassicism style with Renascence features. The castle is a two-story symmetric building. A lofty tower with an ornately-shaped dome is in the middle of the manor. The entrance is on the west side of the castle. It has the shape of an arch. The palace’s windows look like an arch with a casement. Waterworks were installed in front of the estate. Gold and red fish were swimming in the fountains’ marble bowls. There was also a large exotic fish aquarium on the second floor of the castle. It was the main decoration of the manor. Ornamental trees and plants were planted all over the castle.
Modeled on Askania-Nova Reserve, the arboretum and zoological garden were established in the south and west of the castle. The Falz-Feins kept exotic and wild animals here. There were also three ponds in the manor’s grounds, where rare species of fish were swimming. It was required to build a dam with a complex network of channels, lakes, and fountains. All this brilliance was naturally included in local views and landscapes.
The present state of the Falz-Feins Castle in Novooleksandrivka village
The manor was desolated during the Civil War. The animals were shooted off for fun. The exotic fish died out, as the dam was destroyed in Soviet times. The arboretum was sunk in the waters of the Kakhovka Reservoir. Only the remaining trees expanded the area of the estate’s ruins.
However, the walls of the castle preserved well in comparison with other objects that remind us about the Falz-Feins. You can even imagine how the castle looked before the devastation. The marble floor and inside decorations survived in some places till the present day. It’s a shame that the authorities overlook such landmarks. The castle gradually breaks down, and the park is in need of care. Generally, all manor’s area needs to be cleaned. The garbage was accumulated even in the basement.
However, despite the manor was devastated, the place attracts tourists with its atmosphere. The castle’s ruins are covered with lush greenery and sunshine. The manor offers breathtaking views of the river, and the shades of trees bring tourists a pleasant cool on a warm day. You can peacefully walk among the centuries-old walls and just imagine how the little paradise looked to its former glory.
How to get to the castle
The manor is located in the Kherson Region, Novovorontsovkyi District, near Novooleksandrivka village. You can reach the landmark by car. Then, you should travel outside of Kherson and follow the M14/P47 routers to Beryslav. When you reach it, turn down the T0403 route to Novooleksandrivka. You can also get to the castle by public transport. Then, in Kherson, you should take a bus to Novovorontsovka or Vysokopillya at the bus station in Kherson (Polkovnyka Kedrovskoho Street, 1).
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