About Serbian Orthodox Underground Church
The Serbian Orthodox Underground Church is an underground church in Coober Pedy, South Australia, built into sandstone on Hutchison Street. Constructed between 1992 and 1993 by members of the local Serbian community, it is dedicated to Saint Elijah. Notable for its subterranean architecture adapted to the desert climate, the church features hand-carved walls, religious icons, stained glass and a quiet underground interior that reflects Coober Pedy's distinctive dugout building tradition.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small underground church excavated into sandstone, accessed via stairs and a tunnel. Inside is a single vaulted hall with carved rock walls, religious icons, frescoes, stained glass, wooden pews and an iconostasis. The interior is cool and quiet compared to the desert surface. The site is compact and primarily for sightseeing, photography and quiet reflection. It is located within the town centre near other dugout structures.
Key highlights
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Entirely underground church excavated into sandstone
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Hand-carved walls and vaulted ceiling with religious icons and frescoes
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Iconostasis and stained-glass windows in subterranean setting
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Example of Coober Pedy's dugout architecture adapted to extreme desert heat