Italian ChapelAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Italian Chapel
Best visited in summer for accessibility and long daylight, though late spring and early autumn provide fewer crowds and crisp light.
Weather & Climate near Italian Chapel
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1026 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 106 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 82 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 93 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 63 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 52 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 54 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 61 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Good | 10° - 15° | 13° | 71 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 97 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 113 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 122 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 112 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
How to Get to Italian Chapel
The chapel is on Lamb Holm, linked to the Orkney mainland by the Churchill Barriers. From Kirkwall, drive about 20-30 minutes following signs for Burray/Lamb Holm and the Italian Chapel. There is limited parking nearby.
Tips for Visiting Italian Chapel
- Arrive before midday to avoid coach groups that visit in the afternoon.
- Listen for the guides recounting Domenico Chiocchetti's role - the chapel's story is best told aloud.
- Respect the chapel interior and its delicate painted work; photography may be restricted during services.