"Orkney's Italian Chapel" Top 5 Page for this destination Orkney Things to Do Tip by lnalba

The Italian Chapel is one of Orkney's most popular places to visit. It sits on the island of Lambholm, easily reached via the Churchill Barriers from the mainland. It is completely unique in that is was created from a hut by Italian prisoners of war who built the Churchill Barriers.

The Italians felt a great need for a chapel to be in their camp, and so set about creating one. They were granted the use of two Nissen huts, which were joined together. They were incredibly creative with the tools and materials they had to hand and produced not just a small room in which to conduct their religious ritual, but a magnificent chapel, richly decorated and a sight to behold.

Much of it is concrete, all moulded and painted. The windows are beautiful stained glass. There are wrought iron candelabra and a sanctuary screen. Wooden items were created from a shipwreck. Plasterboard was aquired and used to line the whole hut, and was then painted and decorated beautifully to imitate brickwork and carved stone, with detailed and colourful frescos.

The outside of the building was also decorated, so as you approach the builiding, you would have no idea of its origins.

This is an amazing creation, and is a definate must-see when you visit Orkney. I have tried my best to describe it, but you will be genuinely moved when you step through the door. It is certainly unique.

Address: Lambholm, Churchill Barriers
Directions: On the left side of the road as you enter Lambholm from the mainland.
Website: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/eastmainland/italianchapel/