Entrance of the Serbian Church, Coober pedy
To live and die underground
A Serbian Orthodox church... Yes... In Australia... Yes, I see... In the desert... Why not... Underground... What?
It is in the city of Coober Pedy, world capital of opal (about 80% of the production) that this curiosity is located. And its history is no less representative of the city.
Blowing machine used by digger
Opale rush?
Coober Pedy is a town on the Stuart Highway located 846 km north of Adelaide, South Australia. Its name can be translated in local language as "The Man Hole", and you will understand why. Known for its mining production and having hosted the shooting of many movies like Mad Max, its troglodyte houses intrigue. Created in 1858 but active only in 1915, the houses are very often under the ground to fight against the heat. It is said that it is the soldiers returned from the first world war who had the idea, after having lived in the trenches.
Inside the Saint Elijah church
From a war to anothrt
After the Second World War, Australia understood that to defend such a large territory, it needed people. From then on, the government will call upon a large number of migrants from Southern Europe, namely Greeks, Italians and Yugoslavians (mainly Serbs, Croats and Macedonians). It is thus Serbian miners in 1993 who will build this underground church baptized Saint Elijah.
Interior of Saint Elijah church
Cheers mate !
As a bonus, the village cemetery holds a few surprises, like the tradition of bringing drinks to dead miners.
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