Description of the attraction
House with Atlanteans is another attraction of the city of Odessa. This house is recognized as one of the four most beautiful buildings in the city and it is located on Gogol Street, house 5. The author and creator of this beautiful building was the architect Lev Lvovich Vlodek.
The Atlanteans in ancient Greek mythology are representatives of the titan clan who, as punishment for fighting against the gods, are forced to support the sky on their backs on the western edge of the Earth. This motif is very popular in architecture, and their image can often be found both in the ornaments that adorn the facades of the building, and in the form of full-length sculptures that support the floors of buildings.
Lev Vlodek has slightly departed from the classical depiction of Atlantean figures adjoining the wall. And he made them stand-alone figures that bent under the weight of the Earth. The balcony of the second floor begins above the ground. The architecture of the house itself is also interesting, because then all buildings were built according to a certain line. And the House with Atlanteans has a complex configuration. So, the building has a U-shape, and only part of the facade is located along the "red" line. At the same time, due to such an original form, it was possible to create a cozy, closed from outsiders, courtyard, which can be entered through a beautiful wrought-iron gate.
The facade of the building impresses with its rich and beautiful decoration. Refined and sophisticated balustrades, brackets, attics are organically complemented by masks and like fairytale turrets. The back of the house offers a magnificent view of the sea.
Until 1917, the house was in the possession of a German collector and philanthropist - Alexander Falz-Fein. His closest relative Fyodor Falz-Fein became the founder of the Askania Nova nature reserve.
Today the House with Atlanteans is a real decoration of Odessa and a popular meeting place for both Odessa residents and city guests.
