Church Overview

All that remains of the Italian Prisoner of War Camp 60, the famous Italian Chapel was created from two Nissen huts in 1943-44, using material from sunken blockships in Scapa Flow. Wonderful testimony to the artistic skills of Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners who were on Orkney to work on the construction of the Churchill Barriers. The entrance front is built out of the same reinforced concrete as was used for the barriers complete with a belfry, crockets and a moulded head of Christ above the door. The Nissen hut walls were lined in plasterboard, and trompe l’oeil decoration gives the impression of stone panels, brickwork and a ribbed ceiling. Beautifully designed altar, altar-rail, screen, font and holy water stoup, all made from scrap materials. Painted glass windows depicting St Francis of Assisi and St Catherine of Siena. Outside, the statue of St George was created by Chiocchetti using barbed wire covered with concrete. Domenico Chiocchetti returned to Lambholm in 1960 to restore his wartime work. A unique and very moving building. A preservation committee is dedicated to the upkeep of the chapel.

For more information about the Chapel see Undiscovered Scotland website

If you would like to visit the Italian Chapel booking is advisable, particularly for large groups. For opening hours and admission charges see Italian Chapel.  For enquiries about weddings contact Mrs. Helen Hume by email: orkneyitalianchapel@gmail.com or telephone 01856 781580 during opening hours.

Services

Holy Mass celebrated 1st Sunday of month (April to Sept. inc) at 3.30pm

Opening Arrangements

For current opening times and Admission charges see the website

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.