Kherson is a native Ukrainian city with a long history, which makes it a unique place. Here are some interesting and unusual facts about the hero city that will surprise you

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The Cossack city of Kherson hides many secrets that may surprise even the indigenous people of Kherson region. Its centuries-old history is full of many unusual and sometimes horrific events that have shaped the city's modern appearance and character.

Discover the hero city of Kherson from a new perspective with us.

Kherson is a real Ukrainian city

Despite the russian propaganda about the geographical affiliation of some territories of Ukraine to russia and the attribution of the fact of Kherson's foundation to Catherine II, historical facts prove that Kherson is a city of Zaporizhzhia and Poltava Cossacks, where the Ukrainian language has always been spoken. And the actual foundation of the city called Kherson took place on the territory where Ukrainian Cossacks had long-lived and ruled. 

In addition, even despite centuries of russification and the actual genocide of the Ukrainian people, back in 1897, when the russian empire decided to conduct the first-ever census, which required people to indicate their gender, age, and language, it turned out that only 21% of the population in the modern Kherson region spoke russian, while 53% spoke Ukrainian. 

But to understand that Kherson is a city with a Ukrainian character and an unbreakable thirst for freedom, you don't even need to go into history, because the full-scale invasion proved that Kherson residents are ready to go against tanks and machine guns with their bare hands, even under full occupation, to declare that they are Ukrainians.

Did you know that Kherson was featured in Forbes?

The American edition of Forbes included the 11-meter-high Kherson Sundial, which is a monument dedicated to John Howard, in the top five most unusual street clocks in Ukraine.

The city of catacombs

Few people know that Kherson is literally a city on catacombs, especially in its old part. The origin of these underground labyrinths is quite unusual, as they appeared during the actual development of the city. This is attributed to the fact that in ancient times houses were built of clay, which the local population took directly from under their feet. However, this applies only to a part of the studied catacombs, because the rest of them have hardly been examined and appeared much earlier. And according to some legends, the underground labyrinths not only connect the city's districts with each other, but also lead from one bank of the Dnipro to the other. Today, ancient household items, even books and wine, are still found in the dungeons of Kherson.

It is also interesting that the modern part of the old Kherson is literally sinking through the branched underground labyrinths, and in some areas large dips are even formed right into the catacombs. However, for unknown reasons, they still remain unexplored, and local authorities simply fill in new dungeons.

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What is the connection between Kherson and the world-famous Louis Vuitton brand?

Today, there is evidence, including documentary evidence, that confirms that the first suitcases that made the Louis Vuitton brand famous around the world were made from raw materials supplied from the Kherson region. In particular, we are talking about leather and unique fine fleece sheep's wool, which was produced in the Kherson province. The unsurpassed quality of these materials spread all over the world, so even Louis Vuitton ordered raw materials for their products here.

Learn more about Ukrainian designers who conquered the global fashion industry here.

A well with corpses: legend or truth?

The Kherson fortification well is shrouded in dozens of scary stories and legends, and those who have been near it talk about an inexplicable feeling that chills the soul. According to local legends, many orphans and local residents died in this well during the Second World War. In addition, eyewitnesses say that the Soviet authorities shot Bolsheviks at the edge of the well.

However, today the real history of this place remains a mystery, because during the cleaning works, the remains of people were raised from the well, which made us look at the so-called "legends" in a completely different way.

Kherson's lands are shrouded in absolutely incredible and fascinating facts that cannot be described in any article. And unfortunately, today, this unique city is under threat of destruction due to the actions of the russian federation. However, the hero city never gives up and continues to hold on despite the occupation, constant shelling, and flooding caused by the explosion of the Kakhovka Dam. 

We remind you, an operation is underway in Kherson region to rescue people and animals trapped in a deadly trap by russian federation. Our little four-legged friends need the most help, as they are unable to save their lives on their own in the flooded areas. Please join the urgent fundraising organized by Visit Ukraine to save animals in the Kherson region by following the link. 

Even a small contribution will help save the lives of thousands of animals and provide them with food, shelter and medical care!

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