Waisenhaus Varel

Varel Orphanage:
The orphanage, a monument of national importance since 1996, was completed in 1671. The brick building, which was built with Dutch influence in a transitional style between Renaissance and Baroque, owes its existence to a foundation by the Imperial Count Anton I of Aldenburg in 1669. The illegitimate son of Count Anton Günther of Oldenburg wanted to express his gratitude to God and his father, as the latter had generously endowed him with the lordship of Varel in his will, among other things. The inscription above the arch of the main door "QUID RETRIBUAM DOMINO Ao 1671" (translated roughly: "How shall I show my gratitude to the Lord") bears witness to this. The foundation deed stipulated that up to a hundred orphans and poor children were to be taken in.