The uninhabited Scottish island home to Italian Chapel built by prisoners of war

An ornate Roman Catholic chapel might not be the first thing you’d expect to find on a tiny Scottish island.

However, if you journey to Lamb Holm in Orkney this summer, that is exactly what you will see. Nestled in the middle of the uninhabited island is the spectacular Italian Chapel.

Contrasting beautifully with its rugged and natural surroundings, the structure has a fascinating history. It was built entirely by Italian prisoners of war during World War Two when around 550 were transported to Lamb Holm after being captured in North Africa.

The Italian prisoners were brought to the tiny island to assist in the construction of the Churchill Barriers, which were four causeways designed to block access to Scapa Flow during the war. While there, the camp’s Catholic priest Father Gioacchino Giacobazzi requested that a place of worship be built.

After his request was granted, the prisoners began constructing a chapel using whatever resources were available. As a result, it is constructed from two steel military Nissen huts that have been joined end-to-end, as well as as surplus concrete from the Churchill Barriers project.

When first seeing the Italian Chapel, it leaves an immediate grand impression thanks to its gorgeous white and red façade adorned with Gothic pillars and even a bell tower. However, take a closer look and it will become clear that it is made from military huts.

Despite its unique construction method, the chapel’s interior is just as grand and opulent as its exterior looks from afar. Filled with intricate metalwork and detailed murals, stepping inside feels like being whisked away from the Scottish Isles to the heart of Italy.

The decorations were mainly the work of artist and prisoner Domenico Chiocchetti, assisted by skilled fellow inmates. The official Orkney website notes that Chiocchetti had a tiny prayer card featuring Nicolo Barabinos Madonna and Child, which inspired the altar painting.

Among the chapel’s other distinctive features are light holders crafted from corned beef cans and a baptismal font made out of a car exhaust and concrete.

The Italian Chapel has deep ties with Chiocchetti’s native town, Moena, in northern Italy. Although he passed away in 1999, his relatives still visit Lamb Holm occasionally — with his daughter Letizia even occupying the honorary role of President of the Preservation Committee.

For those interested in experiencing the chapel in person, tickets are £3.50 each and free for children aged 12 or under. Further details about the Italian Chapel are on the Orkney website.

Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here.