Italian Chapel

The Italian Chapel is a small World War II-era chapel on the island of Lamb Holm in Orkney, Scotland, constructed in 1943-44 by Italian prisoners of war. It is widely noted for its richly decorated interior created by the prisoners.

The interior features painted murals, an ornate altar and carved-style woodwork applied to a corrugated-iron Nissen-hut structure, giving the chapel an unexpectedly elaborate appearance in a compact space. Visitors typically spend a short time inside because the nave and seating area are small, and the exterior remains recognisably formed from the original huts.

Built and decorated by Italian POWs housed on Lamb Holm during the Second World War, the chapel was assembled from scrap materials and finished with wooden fittings and paintings. The main interior decorative work is credited to Domenico Chiocchetti, who later returned to help with restoration.

The chapel sits on Lamb Holm, one of the small islands joined by the Churchill Barriers in Orkney. It lies off the northern coast of Scotland and is about 10 km south of the town of Kirkwall.

• Size and access: Located on the small island of Lamb Holm, there is a short walk from the roadside car park and the chapel interior is compact so visits are brief.
• Notable artist: Interior decoration was created by Italian prisoner Domenico Chiocchetti and is the chapel's principal attraction.