Italian Chapel Lamb Holm
A WWII chapel built by Italian POWs from Nissen huts, showcasing incredible artistry and resilience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids tour group crowds
Italian Chapel Lamb Holm
Best Time
Avoids tour group crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A WWII chapel built by Italian POWs from Nissen huts, showcasing incredible artistry and resilience.
"A testament to human faith and ingenuity, this chapel is a must-see Orkney gem."
🚗 Parking & Access
Ample parking available with paved ramp access. No steps inside the chapel. :car:
🕰️ Visit Duration
Allow about 30 minutes for a thorough visit to appreciate the details. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chapel Interior
Main Nissen Hut
Marvel at the painted tiling, intricate altar, and stunning artwork created from scrap materials.
Domenico Chiocchetti's Story
Exterior Display Boards
Learn about the lead prisoner and his vision for this sacred space.
St. George Statue
Car Park
A powerful sculpture by Domenico Chiocchetti, a poignant reminder of the prisoners' faith.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Embrace the History and Craftsmanship
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Ample parking available with paved ramp access. No steps inside the chapel. :car:
🕰️ Visit Duration
Allow about 30 minutes for a thorough visit to appreciate the details. :clock:
🎁 Gift Shop
A nice gift shop offers souvenirs and supports the chapel's upkeep. :gift:
🐄 Highland Cows
Keep an eye out for friendly highland cows near the chapel! :cow:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Ample parking available with paved ramp access. No steps inside the chapel. :car:
🕰️ Visit Duration
Allow about 30 minutes for a thorough visit to appreciate the details. :clock:
🎁 Gift Shop
A nice gift shop offers souvenirs and supports the chapel's upkeep. :gift:
🐄 Highland Cows
Keep an eye out for friendly highland cows near the chapel! :cow:
🌦️ Check Weather & Tides
Especially important if visiting during stormy weather; check Orkney Council website for barrier closures. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Italian Chapel for its remarkable beauty, poignant history, and the incredible craftsmanship displayed by the Italian prisoners of war. Many find it a deeply moving and inspiring place, appreciating the story behind its creation and the dedication to its preservation. The friendly staff and the unique atmosphere contribute to a highly positive visitor experience.
"This evocative place was built by Italian WW2 POW’s in 1941. The men were captured in North Africa then sent to 3 camps on Orkney. Their main purpose was to construct Churchill’s Barriers to protect British fleet ships which often sheltered nearby. It is a poignant reminder of the central role Orkney played in the war. The narrative includes some light-hearted stories too.
The realism of the chapel’s interior is surprising. The painted tiling pattern on the walls which has recently had restoration work carried out, is incredibly multi-dimensional. This place is well worth a visit. 👍👍👍"
D F
"Remarkable beautiful and poignant. Happy to pay the entry fee to ensure the upkeep of this historical church. The ladies at the entry shop were very friendly and offered advise and info. Nice gift shop too.
The story of this church is nicely conveyed on display boards outside and additional informative personal tales on displayed inside. The artistry and skill is remarkable given the circumstances of the build. No spoilers just add it to the must see Orkney list. Don’t miss the St George statue in the car park too.
A local fishing gilly advised this visit to us and I’m very grateful top tip is to check tide times, weather and the Orkney council website for any barrier road closures if visiting during stormy weather.
Cruise ship and Coach tours visit here so perhaps time for after lunch when quieter. Paved ramp access and no steps inside."
Ffion Thomas
"Pretty cool little place, nice bit of history, and there were highland cows that love a little scratch behind the ears. I'd recommend just for the cows tbf, the church was a nice bonus though."
Graeme Foster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Italian Chapel is located on Lamb Holm, one of the Orkney Islands. It's accessible by car via the Churchill Barriers, which connect the islands. If you're arriving by ferry to Stromness or Scrabster, you'll need to drive across the mainland of Orkney to reach the barriers.
Public transport options to Lamb Holm are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or consider a guided tour that includes the chapel.
Yes, many cruise ship tours include a visit to the Italian Chapel as it's a significant Orkney attraction.
During stormy weather, the Churchill Barriers might experience closures. It's advisable to check the Orkney Council website for any updates before your visit.
Lamb Holm is a small island, and the chapel is the main point of interest. You can easily explore it on foot after parking your vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee to help with the upkeep of this historical site. Visitors are happy to pay it to ensure its preservation.
The chapel is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check local listings or the Orkney Islands Council website for the most up-to-date hours, especially outside of peak season.
Yes, there is a small admission fee, which contributes to the maintenance and restoration of the chapel.
While generally accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the chapel and its surroundings.
Yes, the chapel has paved ramp access and no steps inside, making it accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the chapel, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that could damage the artwork.
The interior of the chapel offers incredible detail for close-up shots. The exterior, especially during sunset, also provides beautiful photographic opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the interior space, while a standard zoom can capture details and exterior shots.
Be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography and be mindful of other visitors.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The Italian Chapel was built between 1943-1945 by Italian prisoners of war held in Camp 60 on Lamb Holm during WWII. They transformed two Nissen huts into a beautiful chapel using scrap materials.
Inside, you'll find stunning painted tiling patterns, an ornate altar, and intricate artwork, all created with remarkable skill from salvaged materials.
Most visitors find that around 30 minutes is sufficient for a thorough visit to appreciate the chapel and its history.
While the chapel is the main draw, the island itself is part of the historic Churchill Barriers, and you might spot local wildlife like highland cows.
The St. George statue, located in the car park, was also created by Domenico Chiocchetti and is a significant artistic and symbolic piece related to the prisoners' experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chapel itself is small and easy to navigate, with no steps, making it stroller-friendly. 🕊️ Spiritual Seekers & History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Consider a wide-angle lens for the interior and a standard zoom for capturing both the grander exterior views and finer details. Remember to be respectful of the site and other visitors when taking photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Remarkable Story of the Italian Chapel
Under the leadership of Domenico Chiocchetti, the POWs transformed two humble Nissen huts into a breathtaking sanctuary. They utilized whatever materials they could find, including concrete, tin cans, old ration boxes, and even ship timbers, to create intricate altars, painted tiling patterns that create a sense of depth, and beautiful religious iconography. The chapel became a vital spiritual center for the prisoners, offering solace and a sense of community amidst the hardships of war.
Today, the Italian Chapel is one of Orkney's most cherished attractions, drawing visitors from around the world, including many from Italy. Its poignant history and the remarkable craftsmanship evident in its construction make it a deeply moving experience. The recent restoration work has further enhanced the vibrancy of the painted tiling, making the multi-dimensional effect even more striking.
Architectural Ingenuity from Scarcity
Beyond the visual artistry, the chapel's construction involved significant labor and resourcefulness. Materials like concrete, scrap metal, and salvaged wood were meticulously shaped and applied. The altar, the statues, and the decorative elements all speak to the prisoners' dedication to creating a beautiful and functional place of worship. This ingenuity is a core part of the chapel's enduring appeal and a significant draw for visitors interested in wartime history and creative problem-solving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit