18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
CLOSER TO HEAVEN

Ethiopia's 'church in the sky' is arguably the most inaccessible place of worship on earth, perched on top of a vertical spire of rock and 200m drops on all sides. The monolithic church, located in northern Ethiopia in the Tigray region, is 2,600m high and must be climbed on a vertical rock with bare feet to reach it, making you wonder how families grit it out to visit the church for Sunday services. This is the most extraordinary place I've ever been and this priest is one of the most incredible subjects I've been lucky enough to shoot.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Copyright: © Mauro De Bettio
Awards
Photo of the Day: 01.21.21