When the prisoners requested a chapel, they were tasked with creating a place of worship out of two Nissen huts, prefabricated steel structures.
One prisoner, Domenico Chiocchetti, was a talented artist.
He painted the Madonna and Child above the altar, inspired by Nicolo Barabino’s art.
Other prisoners were Giuseppe Palumbi, a blacksmith, and Domenico Buttapasta, a cement worker.
The Italian Chapel is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Orkney and a must on every itinerary; it’s honestly so beautiful.
Getting There and Location
The chapel stands on the small island of Lamb Holm, just off the A961 across the first of the Churchill Barriers south of Kirkwall. There is a car park beside it, and it sits naturally on any drive down to the southern isles or St Margarets Hope ferry.
What You Will See
From the outside it is a humble Nissen hut; inside, Italian prisoners of war transformed it into an ornate chapel using scrap metal, concrete and paint. Artist Domenico Chiocchetti painted the trompe-l oeil brickwork and altarpiece, while fellow prisoners forged the rood screen from leftover metal. It remains a moving testament to creativity in captivity.
Who It Suits
Anyone driving the Churchill Barriers should stop – the story of the men who built both the causeways and the chapel is one of Orkneys most affecting. It takes little time to see and pairs perfectly with the wartime history of Scapa Flow just alongside.
Practical Tips
A small admission charge helps preserve the chapel,Combine with a drive across all four Churchill Barriers,Read the story of Chiocchetti before you visit,It is compact – busy at cruise-ship times,Continue south to St Margarets Hope for lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the Italian Chapel on Orkney?
It was built during the Second World War by Italian prisoners of war who were held on Lamb Holm while constructing the Churchill Barriers. Led by artist Domenico Chiocchetti, they converted two Nissen huts into an elaborately decorated Catholic chapel using salvaged materials.
Is there a charge to enter the Italian Chapel?
Yes, there is a small admission fee that goes towards maintaining and preserving the chapel, which is cared for by a local trust. It is inexpensive and the interior detail more than justifies the stop.
