Gabi Steiner | Where Stone Still Prays

Where Stone Still Prays
By Gabi Steiner

“Lalibela felt less like a destination and more like a dream made real. It remains one of the most profound photographic experiences of my life—and one that I hope to return to someday.”
– Gabi Steiner. 2026

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela show the deep history and spiritual life of Ethiopia. There are eleven churches, each carved from volcanic rock, in the western Ethiopian Highlands near Lalibela. King Gebre Meskel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty had them built to recreate Jerusalem in his own land. Today, the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church still uses these churches, and they remain important pilgrimage sites. In 1978, UNESCO added the site to its World Heritage List to recognize its cultural and historical value.

“When I arrived in Lalibela, I had no idea how deeply the experience would affect me.
I still remember the excitement of my first morning with the camera. For many years, I had imagined what it would be like to photograph behind the closed doors of the Vatican—to wander through sacred spaces, surrounded by history, faith, and centuries of devotion.
In my mind, that represented the ultimate photographic experience.

Yet standing inside the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, I realized that reality had surpassed imagination. The ancient stone walls, the darkness illuminated only by candlelight, and the quiet presence of worshippers created an atmosphere unlike anything I had ever experienced. It felt as if time itself had slowed down.
What moved me most was not only the beauty of the place but the privilege of witnessing and photographing moments of genuine faith. Being allowed to photograph during religious ceremonies was far beyond anything I had expected or hoped for.
Lalibela felt less like a destination and more like a dream made real. It remains one of the most profound photographic experiences of my life—and one that I hope to return to someday.”

• Gabi Steiner. 2026

The churches sit about 2,480 meters (8,140 feet) above sea level. Five are north of the town’s river, called the Jordan, five are to the south, and one stands alone. Each group of churches is linked by tunnels and trenches. Biete Giorgis, the eleventh church, is also connected to the others by trenches.

“What moved me most was not only the beauty of the place but the privilege of witnessing and photographing moments of genuine faith. Being allowed to photograph during religious ceremonies was far beyond anything I had expected or hoped for.”

Gabi Steiner

Gabi Steiner is an Austrian photographer whose work explores cultural identity, spirituality, and human connection. After discovering photography through an introductory course at the Prague School of Photography in 2017, she continued her studies with German photographer and mentor Helga Partikel, who helped shape both her technical skills and her approach to visual storytelling.

Her photography focuses on remote and indigenous communities, capturing moments of dignity, tradition, and shared humanity through an atmospheric and intimate visual language. Rather than simply documenting cultures, she seeks to create emotional resonance and foster a deeper understanding of lives and traditions rarely seen by the outside world.

Gabi’s work has been featured multiple times in Lens Magazine and published in Dodho Magazine. Her photography has received international recognition through numerous awards, including Discovery of the Year 2025 in the Portrait category at the Refocus Awards. In 2026, her portrait Echoes of the Suri was ranked among the top five images in the Dodho Portrait Awards and selected for publication in the annual Portrait Book. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Atlas of Humanity exhibitions in Paris and New York.

Visiting the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela is a unique experience. These churches show deep devotion and are symbols of Ethiopia’s spiritual center. They are always at risk from erosion, so dedicated caretakers work hard to protect them while honoring their religious importance. Their efforts help keep Lalibela’s pilgrimage tradition alive for future generations.

The best time to visit Lalibela is in the dry season, from October to March, when the weather is good for exploring the churches. The city gets especially busy during big religious festivals like Genna on January 7 and Timkat on January 19. During these times, you can see religious services, long processions, traditional music, and rituals.

Website: gabisteiner.at | Instagram · @gabisteinerphoto