The Italian Chapel

Welcome to the island of Lam Home, a small, windswept outcrop within the Orkney archipelago. As you stand here, you are witnessing one of the most poignant legacies of the Second World War. …

To understand why this chapel exists, we must look toward the waters of Skap-ah Flow and the massive causeways stretching out before you. In October 1939, shortly after the outbreak of the war, a German U-boat achieved the…

Before we enter the chapel itself, let us pause at the striking concrete sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon located on the grounds. This was one of the first major artistic projects undertaken by Domenico Kee-oh-ket-tee and…

We now stand directly in front of the chapel's entrance. I encourage you to observe the clever architectural deception at play here. …

As you step inside, the transformation is complete. The cold air of the Orkneys seems to fall away, replaced by the warmth of a Mediterranean sanctuary. …

Let us take a moment to examine the walls and ceiling of the chapel. One of the most astounding features of this interior is the way the corrugated iron of the Nissen huts has been completely disguised. …

As we conclude our tour and step back out into the fresh Orkney air, it is worth reflecting on the chapel's life after the war. When the prisoners finally departed in 1945, there was a real concern that this fragile structure…