Forbidden History:  10 Off-Limits Historical Places You Can't Visit

 May 22nd, 2024

Team LTG

Ever wonder about places shrouded in mystery and off-limits to curious travelers? Uncover 10 historically significant sites that remain forbidden to the public. 

Home to an uncontacted tribe, this island is protected to preserve its isolation and unique way of life. 

North Sentinel Island, India

Exquisite prehistoric paintings, but closed to the public since 1963 to protect the delicate artwork from deterioration. 

Lascaux Caves, France

This elaborate mausoleum, guarded by terracotta warriors, remains unexcavated due to preservation concerns. 

Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China

This sacred Shinto site is rebuilt every 20 years, and only high-ranking priests and imperial family members can enter. 

Ise Grand Shrine, Japan

A volcanic island formed in the 1960s, access is restricted to scientists studying ecological succession. 

Surtsey Island, Iceland

A dark history as a plague quarantine and mental asylum led to it being closed to the public. 

Poveglia Island, Italy

Infamous for its high density of venomous snakes, access is forbidden for safety reasons. 

Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil

Highly secretive military base surrounded by conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial activity. 

Area 51, Nevada, USA

A remote sub-Antarctic volcanic island, access is limited due to extreme weather and environmental protection. 

Heard Island, Australia

This abandoned island in New York City has a history as a quarantine hospital and is now a bird sanctuary off-limits to the public. 

North Brother Island, USA