Serbian Orthodox Church

The Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy, officially known as the Church of Saint Elijah the Prophet, is an extraordinary underground sanctuary that beautifully merges faith, culture, and the ingenuity of its community. Carved entirely into sandstone between 3 and 17 meters below the surface, this church is a must-see for anyone visiting Coober Pedy.  🕍 Architecture & Atmosphere Built in 1993 by Serbian Australians who settled in Coober Pedy as opal miners, the church was constructed underground to escape the region’s intense heat. The interior is a marvel, featuring a 30-meter-long nave with a 7-meter-high ceiling, all sculpted directly from the rock. The sandstone walls are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs of saints, and a stained-glass ceiling window bathes the space in a warm, ethereal glow. The glass iconostasis adds a unique touch to the sacred space.  Visitors often describe the church as serene and awe-inspiring. One reviewer noted, “The simplicity of the church emphasises the incredible amount of work done to create this beautiful space in a very short time.”  🙏 Experience & Accessibility The church complex includes a community hall, parish house, and religious school, all carved underground. While the church is active, services are currently limited due to the difficulty of securing a resident priest. However, the site remains open to visitors, with an entrance fee of $5 AUD. Parking is available on-site, and the church is easily accessible via a gently sloping corridor.   🌟 Final Thoughts Whether you’re drawn by spiritual curiosity, architectural interest, or the unique underground setting, the Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy offers a memorable and moving experience. Its combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes it a standout attraction in the Australian outback.  📍 Address: St Elijah Dr, Coober Pedy, South Australia 5723  🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 💰 Entry Fee: $5 AUD  🚗 Parking: Available on-site  📷 Photography: Permitted inside

Beautiful underground church - $5.00 donation to enter, cards and candles inside are $2.00. If you go up to the mezzanine florist you get a great view of the church and you can see the baptismal bath up there as well. Lovely church - don't miss it!

This beautiful Serbian church is definitely worth a visit if in Coober Pedy. It's loaded with beautiful works of art and the history of the architecture involved in building it, etc. It is only a short drive from the city. When we visited, it was pretty empty with only a few people around. There's plenty of free parking available outside the church. There's a donation box on the entrance, and $5 donation is required.

⛪ Unmissable Gem in Coober Pedy This stunning church is an absolute must-see while visiting Coober Pedy. The atmosphere inside is serene and calming—a perfect place for quiet reflection. Architecturally, it’s a true masterpiece that beautifully reflects the town’s character and history.

A stunning and incredible place to see! Definitely worth a visit. Gorgeous stain glass windows and example of a modern dugout. Come prepared with cash to make a donation at the door.

Hidden Underground Treasure! ⛪️🕯️⛏️ Wow! Visiting the Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy was an unforgettable experience! 🏜️✨ Tucked beneath the desert surface, this underground church is a peaceful and awe-inspiring masterpiece. Carved right into the sandstone 🪨, it was built in the early 1990s by the hardworking Serbian community 🛠️🇷🇸. The craftsmanship is simply stunning – from the hand-carved walls and archways to the beautiful stained glass windows 🌈🪟 and religious icons 🖼️. The whole space feels cool, quiet, and sacred… a perfect escape from the blazing outback sun ☀️🔥. It’s not just a church – it’s a symbol of culture, community, and Coober Pedy’s one-of-a-kind underground life 🌍🏠. Whether you're into history, architecture, spirituality, or just love discovering hidden gems, this spot is a MUST-SEE! 📍💯 Perfect for a peaceful moment, amazing photos 📸, and a deep appreciation for how people have adapted to life in the harsh Aussie outback. 🐪🇦🇺

Definitely worth a visit while in Coober Pedy. It is a couple kms outside town and open 24/7. Entry is a $5 donation into an honesty box. It is a small underground Serbian Orthodox church but the beauty and dedication to create a lasting monument to Serbian tradition and culture in such a remote place is awe-inspiring. This was one of my highlights during my travels. It's something not expected that I won't find anywhere else.

A beautiful place of worship, serene and calming. Although it is a some way out of Coober Pedy township, this place is a must see. A suggestion for an improvement: please could we have some information on the architecture and layout of the church, the angels, saints and historical figures too, so we can understand more about this amazing place.

Larger of the three underground churches! Largest of the three churches and more on the outskirts of the town. They ask for a donation before entering the church and then there are boxes inside for more donations! Worth a visit as again is a unique experience! even has stained glass windows!