The Italian Chapel, built on the island of Lamb Holm, Orkney by Italian prisoners of war during World War Two, is one of Orkneys most famous attractions. The prisoners of war had been brought to Orkney to help in the construction of the Churchill Barriers, four causeways, built with the main purpose of preventing a repeat disaster to the Allied fleets at anchor in Scapa Flow. This followed an attack by a German U-Boat which resulted in the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak with the loss of 833 crew.
The Italians had very little to work with but used two Nissan huts to make the church, and did an excellent job, it is very impressive. All the tile work you can see is actually painted.
There is still a special relationship between Orkney and the town of Moena in Italy, the home of Domenco Chiocchetti, who was the main prisoner-artist.
In fact 3 days after I took these shots there was a special mass celebrated here, by Papal ambassador Archbishop Antonio Mennini and former Glasgow Archbishop Mario Conti. It was to mark the 70th anniversary and Pope Francis sent a message praying " this chapel, built in time of war, may continue to be a sign of peace and reconciliation"
There is another shot of the Chapel in my main album today.
@sheilag Thank you Sheila, yes a very special place. Thats terrible news, why would anyone break in to it ? Nothing to take apart from a little heater and maybe a few pounds in the guide book box.
June 9th, 2014
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
@sheilag Thank you Sheila, yes a very special place. Thats terrible news, why would anyone break in to it ? Nothing to take apart from a little heater and maybe a few pounds in the guide book box.