SUMMER 2026 ༠ 51
PHOTO: HELEN CAMACARO/MOMENT/VIA GETTY IMAGES (CATHEDRAL)
AUSTRALIA
Coober Pedy Opal Mining Town
In the heart of the sun-scorched Australian Outback, a visit 
to Coober Pedy, the Opal Capital of the World, reveals an 
alternative way of living. Step into a subterranean world 
shaped by a community that has retreated beneath the 
earth, carving out a labyrinth of dugouts to escape the 
blistering heat. Explore underground homes, churches and 
community spaces that offer a glimpse into this unusual way 
of life. Above ground, try your hand at “noodling,” sifting 
through rock and soil in search of an iridescent glint of opal.
COLOMBIA
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Carved 180 metres below ground level in the salt mines of 
Zipaquirá, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a breathtaking 
example of the faith and artistic prowess of the town’s 
mining community. Walk past 14 subterranean chapels 
representing the Stations of the Cross, depicting Christ’s 
final journey. This leads to a vast central chamber featuring 
a monumental cross and other religious symbols carved 
directly into the rock salt walls. 

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.