Falz-Fein Tomb

The Falz-Fein tomb is located in Novochornomoria village of the Kherson region. For over 120 years, it preserves the story that local residents pass down through generations. What is so special about this mausoleum? Read on to find out the history of the architectural monument.

History

The Falz-Feins family moved to the Kherson region in pursuance of the order of Catherine II. The family served the Russian crown for over 100 years. The Falz-Feins made a huge contribution to the development of the south. By the beginning of the 20th century, they were the biggest landowners. The Falz-Feins family owned the Askania-Nova reserve and the ice-free port in Khorly. Their memory is preserved in monuments and buildings. The Falz-Fein tomb is of particular value.

In 1880, Alexander Eduardovich Falz-Fein inherited Novochornomoria lands. It was his brother who founded Askania-Nova. Alexander Eduardovich loved his wife Sofia Stepanovna very much. The sudden death of his beloved hit him hard. She was only 38 years old. In 1897, Alexander Eduardovich built a mausoleum with a chapel especially for Sofia. The tomb was surrounded by a twelve-sided fence. The entrance was the caretaker's house. It was assumed that their descendants would be buried there. In 1908, Alexander Eduardovich was buried in the tomb next to his wife.

This is unknown, whether anyone else of the Falz-Feins family was buried there. After the Bolsheviks won power in 1917, the crypt was plundered by looters. Local residents were not allowed to the open tomb.

In Soviet times, there was a storehouse for potatoes there. Nowadays, only the chapel tower and the burial vault have remained from the tomb.

Architectural style

The tomb resembles the Renaissance, Modern, Byzantine, and Tatar architectural styles. The chapel of the tomb had an Orthodox dome. Originally, the mausoleum was decorated with Italian marble brought by sea. Only some of the mausoleum decorations and burial shelves have survived. You can enter the tomb.

A memorial plaque to commemorate Alexander Eduardovich and Sofia Stepanovna is installed there.

What is interesting about the tomb

The tomb is interesting for its history and preserved forms. Alexander Eduardovich chose a picturesque place for the burial of his beloved. The tomb is located on a mound, near the Round Lake. This point offers gorgeous views of the Black Sea and Zaliznyi Port.

Unfortunately, little attention is paid to the monument. Except for talks about its restoration, local authorities have not yet taken active steps.

Ways to get there

You can get to Novochornomoria village:

• by car from Kherson along the E97 highway and come down to P57. Then, move through Bekhtery village along Horkoho Street outside the village and towards Novochornomoria. Look for Pryozerna Street there and drive to the end.
• by public transport take a regular Kherson-Novochornomoria bus at the Central Bus Station of Kherson. Look for Pryozerna Street. You can ask the driver or locals where it is best to get off.