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We are drawn to completely off-limits places, perhaps because they may hold secrets from long ago, encounters with extraterrestrial life, or unexplored ecosystems.
Some of the world’s most impressive prehistoric artwork can be found in France’s Lascaux Caves
Travellers all around the world love finding hidden treasures but some are meant to remain hidden. There are places where you are prohibited from entering for many reasons. But these limitations often have pragmatic justifications, such as cultural heritage protection, security and respect. Here are a few fascinating places from around the globe that you can pick from for your upcoming vacation. You can check before making travel plans because some of these places do not accept public visitors.
Niihau Island in Hawaii, US
Niihau, a privately owned Hawaiian island known as the “Forbidden Island,” has prohibited travel since the 1860s. Without the majority of contemporary conveniences and technology, the small community there leads to a traditional existence. The island is one of Hawaii’s few unspoiled cultural ecosystems, accessible only to its inhabitants and owners, the Robinson family.
Vatican Secret Archives in Vatican City
The Vatican Secret Archives, despite its name, are neither gloomy nor sinister; they have records dating back hundreds of years that show how the Catholic Church shaped world history. These archives contain rare historical artifacts, such as Michelangelo’s letters and papal documents. Access is extremely limited and is only available to a small number of scholars who complete a stringent screening process. This treasure store of historical knowledge is still mysterious to the majority of us.
Lascaux Caves in France
Some of the world’s most impressive prehistoric artwork can be found in France’s Lascaux Caves. The artwork dates back over 17,000 years. These depictions of animals and symbols are invaluable cultural artifacts that provide insight into the earliest stages of human history. But due to human-caused deterioration, such as the artwork being degraded by moisture and carbon dioxide from visitors’ breath, the caves have been closed to the public since 1963. Only a few scientists are permitted inside these days.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway
Located in a Norwegian Arctic Mountain, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, commonly known as the “Doomsday Vault,” is home to the largest seed collection in the world. Designed to resist calamities and store millions of seeds in cold temperatures, the vault was created to protect food security and biodiversity. As it silently preserves our agricultural legacy, the vault’s enigmatic air is enhanced by the fact that only researchers and authorities are permitted inside.
Pluto’s Gate in Turkey
The stone monument, known as Pluto’s Gate, honours the Roman God Pluto and is located in Turkey. It was first used in the second century BC. In ancient times, the people of Hierapolis would send animals to witness a paranormal death ritual at Pluto’s temple. They thought those creatures had been killed by Pluto, the God of Death. But because of the structure it was built on, it was later found that the cave emits hazardous fumes. Visitors are therefore prohibited from getting too close to this location.
