Waisenhaus, Historic orphanage in Varel, Germany.
The Waisenhaus Varel stands as a two-story brick building constructed in Dutch Renaissance style with a U-shaped layout featuring a main building facing the street and single-story wings extending from both sides.
Built between 1669 and 1671 by order of Count Anton I of Aldenburg as a charitable foundation, the orphanage was designed to house up to one hundred orphaned and poor children according to pietistic principles.
The building displays the inscription 'QUID RETRIBUAM DOMINO Ao 1671' above its entrance, reflecting the religious motivation behind its establishment and representing one of the few aristocratic structures that define Varel's urban landscape.
Currently operated by the Bezirksverband Oldenburg as a specialized educational children's home, the facility includes three additional residential houses built in 1980 to meet modern care requirements and standards.
The historic Regentenzimmer inside the orphanage can be rented for special occasions such as weddings and festive events, combining its social care function with cultural venue services for the local community.
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