The Alte Drostei Papenburg (also Papenburg Mansion or Old Papenburg Office) is located in the center of the city of Papenburg in Lower Saxony. It is the oldest building in the city. Dietrich von Velen had it built between 1630 and 1636 during the Thirty Years' War.
The history of the Alte Drostei, also known as the Papenburg manor house, begins in the 16th century. It is the oldest surviving historical building in the city of Papenburg.
The construction dates back to the time of the Thirty Years' War around 1630-1636. According to existing documents, the builder for the official residence (Drostei) is Dietrich von Velen. He had acquired the current site with the old castle complex from the 14th century from Friedrich Freiherr von Schwarzenberg (the namesake of our hotel in the arcade house) for a few gold thalers. Originally the house was surrounded by moats and with the tower still preserved today, in 1716 it became the property of Drosten's secretary, Mr. Dallmeier. The seller purchased the Altenkamp estate in Aschendorf with the proceeds from the sale. Today's main house was built at the beginning of the 18th century in the simple facade style of the manor houses of the time, elegantly with frames and cladding made of sandstone.
Today, after extensive restoration, it is a house made by people for people. The building serves to provide information about the city's history and is intended to encourage dialogue between the people who meet here. You are invited to fill the house with your life stories. The numerous historical objects come from conversations with people who want to leave something to their descendants in an exposed location. This includes the extensive library of the Behnes family from Aschendorf. The books range from the 14th century to the period 1939. You will also find old paintings from the 16th century, large wooden statues from the 17th century (Saint Elizabeth protects a family on the run in life-size statue form) and wood carvings the 17th century. The Christian faith of the various owners can be experienced omnipresent in the building. A real, preserved treasure in the building is the old Drosten room with its original furniture. Paintings on the wall show the owners of the Altenkamp estate from the 18th century.
From the outside you can first reach the 16th century plague room via a historic tower staircase. There is an original plague cross from the Aschendorf monastery, as well as a woodcut of the plague apostle Rochus, also from the 16th century. A newly uncovered prison with historical window bars and gruesome paraphernalia complete the picture of the time.
Today readings, exhibitions and tourist tours take place in the Drostei. You can learn the old tradition of ax throwing, enjoy traditional snacks, eat delicious cake with a cup of coffee or attend an East Frisian tea ceremony.