A Scottish archipelago may not be the first place you would expect to find an ornate Roman Catholic chapel.
However, those who venture to Orkney will be able to see the spectacular Italian Chapel with their own eyes. Situated on the small uninhabited island of Lamb Holm in Orkney, this unique building stands out among the rugged landscape of the island.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the chapel is that it was all the work of Italian prisoners of war during World War Two. During the war, in 1942, 550 Italian prisoners were sent to Lamb Holm after being captured in North Africa.
The first impression of the chapel is a grand and dramatic one: a large white and red façade complete with Gothic pillars and a bell tower. However, looking closer, the chapel is actually made of two steel military Nissen huts joined end-to-end.
Don't let that fool you, though, as the interior is just as grand and ornate as its front. Full of intricate metalwork and detailed murals, stepping inside makes you feel like you have been transported from the Northern Isles to the heart of Italy.
Italian prisoners had been transported to the tiny island to help construct the Churchill Barriers — four causeways intended to block access to Scapa Flow during the war.
While there, the camp's Catholic priest Father Gioacchino Giacobazzi requested that a place of worship be constructed.
After his request was accepted, the prisoners began building a church from whatever materials they could get their hands on. This is why two Nissen huts were used, as well as concrete left over from work on the Churchill Barriers.
Much of the ornate interior was done by artist and prisoner Domenico Chiocchetti, with the help of tradesmen. According to the official Orkney website, Chiocchetti carried a small prayer card depicting the artwork Madonna and Child by Nicolo Barabino that he based his painting above the altar on.
Other unique features of the Italian Chapel include light holders constructed from corned beef tins, and a baptismal font made out of a car exhaust and concrete.
The chapel has a close connection with Chiocchetti's hometown of Moena in northern Italy, and though he died in 1999, his family still journey to Lamb Holm on occasion. His daughter Letizia is even an Honorary President of the Preservation Committee.
If you wish to see the chapel for yourself, admission is £3.50 per person and free to those 12 and under. More information about the Italian Chapel can be found on the Orkney website.
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