Italian Chapel of Saint Francis of Assisi – Masvingo, Zimbabwe - Atlas Obscura

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Italian Chapel of Saint Francis of Assisi

Masvingo, Zimbabwe

This church with Italian style frescos was constructed by European internees in Zimbabwe during World War II.  

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Just outside the Masvingo Army Barracks in Zimbabwe’s tropical savanna sits a chapel honoring the refuge that Italian, German, and Austrian enemy aliens took there during World War II

The chapel was built between 1942 and 1946 mostly by Italians held at Number 5 Camp just outside of Masvingo. They were considered internees rather than prisoners of war because they were civilians.

After the war, two wings were added to the chapel, housing the remains of 71 Italian soldiers who died in the British Prison Camp of Fort Victoria, Masvingo. Today, the Roman Catholic Church uses the building for church services. Mass is celebrated each Saturday morning, and on the first Sunday in November of each year, a special memorial service is held for the Italians who died in the World Wars.

Know Before You Go

The chapel is open to the public and relies on donations. 

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September 13, 2024

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