Uncover the mesmerising architecture of the Barossa Valley.
European settlers made their way to the Barossa Valley in the 1800s, most settlers being from Germany. As you make your way through the Barossa Valley, the German influence will become quite evident. From the architecture to the town names, such as Hahndorf, there are many German influences. Between the 1840s and World War I, there was even a language called Barossa-Deutsch spoken here.
One of the major influences of the European settlers was the establishment of churches. In fact, each settlement had its own church, leading to 42 churches being constructed in the Barossa Valley. Each church is different, with many being architectural marvels.
Learn more about a few of the Barossa Valley’s churches below!
St. George’s Anglican Church
Located just a short distance from the centre of Barossa is St. George’s Anglican Church. Not only is this church gorgeous to look at, but it is situated amongst a loop of heritage homes.
You’ll see a rectangular tower at the front of the church with the St. George flag flying high. If you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a huge pipe organ, flanked by colourful stained glass windows.
Langmeil Church
Built in 1888, 50 years after the Langmeil settlement was formed, is the Langmeil Church. This church is made of stone and has a path lined with tall trees leading up to it. An important part of this church is its massive pipe organ that consists of 712 towering pipes.
When viewing the church from outside, you’ll notice a monument that was created to honour the first pastor of the church.
Bethany Lutheran Church (Herberge Christi)
This church was built in a settlement that consisted of 28 families back in 1842. In 1845, the community constructed a church with mud walls and a thatched roof. Fast forward around 40 years and the church that you currently see today was built.
This stone church has a tall spire and an arched entryway. The bell used to ring every day to signal that the workday in the fields had come to an end. Now it’s just used for church services. Inside, its main features are a large pipe organ and a flagstone floor.
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
St. Michael’s Church can be found in a settlement called Gnadenfrei. This church was built around 1873 after the community had to expand their space of worship. Many people who attended this church had previously travelled to the Langmeil Church before the settlement built its own church.
When looking at this church, you’ll find a stone structure with white accents. The entryway is situated at the bottom of its scenic, cathedral-like tower.
These are just a few of the large number of churches that you can see dotting the Barossa Valley!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.