The village is opposite: How people live in the underground city of Coober Pedy

In the heart of the Australian desert is a unique city that challenges traditional notions of life. Coober Pedy is a place where people live underground, creating comfortable conditions in a harsh climate.

A whole city underground with shops and churches
On the surface of Coober Pedy may seem a quiet and uninhabited place, but under the feet hides a real maze of tunnels and rooms. Here under the ground are not only houses, but also shops, restaurants, art galleries and even churches.

One of the most impressive sights is the underground church of St. Peter and Paul. Carved right in the rock, it surprises with its architecture and atmosphere. Underground museums tell the history of the city and opal mining, and in local shops you can buy unique jewelry.

Why People Prefer to Live Underground



The main reason Coober Pedy residents settled underground is the extreme climatic conditions. In summer, the temperature on the surface can reach +50 ° C, making life at the top almost unbearable. Under the ground, a stable temperature of about +22 ° C is maintained all year round, which provides comfort and energy savings.

In addition, the history of Coober Pedy is closely related to opal mining. At the beginning of the XX century, rich deposits of this precious stone were discovered here. Miners who arrived in search of luck began to create underground dwellings near their workplaces, which was a logical solution in the desert.

Photos of incredible interiors



Underground houses Coober Pedy amaze with the variety of design and level of comfort. From simple rooms carved into the rock to luxurious apartments with modern amenities – here you can find a variety of interiors.

Some homes have spacious living rooms, bedrooms with natural light through light wells, fully equipped kitchens and even swimming pools. Sandstone walls give the rooms a special charm, and unique decor elements reflect the individuality of the owners.

Amazing stories of local residents



History of the Johnson Family

The Johnson family moved to Coober Pedy in the 1980s in search of a new life. Starting with a small mine, they gradually expanded their underground dwelling. One day, while working to expand the house, they discovered a rich vein of opal right in the wall of their living room. This discovery made them not only wealthy, but also attracted the attention of the whole city.

Artist Underground

Local artist Michael Williams has turned his underground house into an art gallery. The walls of his home are decorated with his own paintings and sculptures, as well as works by other Australian artists. The gallery is open to visitors and Michael enjoys tours, sharing the inspiration he draws from life underground.

Love Underground

Sarah and Tom met in Coober Pedy when they both came here to work seasonally. Their romance developed in the underground corridors of the city, and soon they decided to stay here forever. Today, they own a small underground cafe that has become a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

Conclusion

Coober Pedy is a unique place where people have adapted to harsh conditions and created a comfortable and cozy environment underground. This city is a vivid example of human ingenuity and desire for comfort.

A visit to Coober Pedy is an opportunity to immerse yourself in another world, meet amazing people and see how life can flourish even in the most unexpected places.