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Forbidden Places Around the World Intrigue for Their History, Extreme Dangers, or Secrets — From Snake Islands to Secret Vaults
There are places in the world that spark the curiosity of anyone. Whether for historical, environmental, religious, or political reasons, there are locations that remain closed to the public. In some cases, access is restricted even for authorities.
Below is a list of these places, in alphabetical order, that cannot be visited by just anyone — including some in Brazil.
Australia
Wittenoom
This old town, located in the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara region, is considered the largest area contaminated by blue asbestos in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Mr. Mário reveals the technique of the caipira papaya: he cuts the fruit in half, discards the seeds from the tip, and plants the ones from the back to increase the chance of a productive female tree.
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Few remember, but the submarine that disappeared in 1968 with 52 crew members was found after 51 years at the bottom of the sea at more than 2,000 meters, intriguing the entire world.
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With 1,200 tons suspended, the Japan mega-structure in a grid shape with a floating sphere from Fuji TV features two 25-story towers connected by elevated walkways, titanium panels, and impresses the world with its ability to reduce wind impact.
Because of this, the name “Wittenoom” has been removed from official maps and signage. The area is completely avoided for public health reasons.
Brazil
Snake Island (Queimada Grande)
Located 36 km off the southern coast of São Paulo, the island is uninhabitable. The reason is the presence of ilhoa jararacas, which are extremely poisonous.
There are reports of one snake per square meter. The snakes have even developed the ability to climb trees to catch birds, their only available prey.
Vale do Javari
This region is home to several isolated indigenous tribes. The government restricted access as a way to protect these populations.
Experts fear that any external contact could transmit fatal diseases to the natives.
China
Jiangsu National Security Education Museum
This museum only allows entry to certain Chinese citizens. It displays documents, weapons, and devices used by spies.
North Korea
Room 39
Also known as Bureau 39 or Office 39, it is a secret organization associated with the family that governs the country.
It is located within the headquarters of the Workers’ Party in Pyongyang. The site is believed to be involved in counterfeiting and drug trafficking.
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
This is one of the most heavily guarded regions on the planet, separating South and North Korea. Only military personnel and officials can circulate there.
Spain
Altamira Cave
Known for its prehistoric paintings, access to the cave has been suspended since 2002. Visits harmed the artworks due to heat, humidity, and carbon dioxide from visitors.
United States
Area 51
Located in the Nevada desert, it is an U.S. Air Force base. It is forbidden even to fly over the site. Security includes armed guards and electronic surveillance.
Dulce Base
Underground facility located on the border between Colorado and New Mexico. There are theories that it is a center for studying new technologies and possible cooperation with alien species.
Coca-Cola Vault
In the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta, the recipe for the soda has been kept safe for over 100 years. Entry is prohibited.
Fort Knox
This military base in Kentucky holds valuable government items. Security involves 30,000 soldiers.
Farallon Islands
Located off the coast of San Francisco, these are home to birds and animals. Access is banned to preserve wildlife.
Morgan Island
In South Carolina, this island is inhabited by millions of Rhesus monkeys infected with herpes type B. Only researchers are authorized to enter.
Mount Weather
A secret facility in Virginia, discovered only after a plane crash in 1974. It is an emergency center for the U.S. government.
Nye County
This area of Nevada has seen over 900 nuclear tests over four decades. The water in the region remains contaminated.
Ethiopia
Danakil Desert
With over 100,000 km², the area experiences temperatures of up to 60ºC. The Afar people live under these extreme conditions. The location is considered dangerous, with reports of kidnappings and murders.
France
Lascaux Caves
Restricted since 1963, the caves contain rock paintings. Fungi began to form with human presence.
Gouffre Berger
This cave was once the deepest in the world. At a depth of a thousand meters, it is only accessible by climbing. Rain makes the site even more dangerous.
Red Zone
Area from World War I, located in northeastern France. The soil contains human remains, unexploded bombs, and weapons. Entry is prohibited.
India
Northern Sentinel Island
After the death of a man who attempted to preach Christianity to the natives, the government prohibited visits to avoid further incidents.
Indonesia
Mount Sinabung
Volcano that was dormant for 400 years. It erupted in 2010 and again in 2013. People died from poisoning. The region was evacuated.
England
Bank of England Vaults
This vault holds 1/5 of the world’s gold reserves, totaling over 5,000 tons. Only a few, anonymous individuals have access.
Iceland
Surtsey Island
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island can only be visited by scientists. The goal is to protect the environment and prevent human influence.
Italy
Poveglia Island
Served as a quarantine center and later as a psychiatric hospital. It is now completely uninhabited and access is prohibited.
Mexico
Cave of Crystals
Home to gigantic selenite crystals, the location is extremely dangerous. Temperatures reach 60ºC and humidity exceeds 90%. Without equipment, humans can only survive for 10 minutes.
Norway
Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Known as the Doomsday Vault, it stores seeds from all over the world. It is a safety plan in case of catastrophes. Visiting is prohibited.
Czech Republic
Pravcicka Brana
This rock formation is protected from erosion. Visitors cannot climb to the top, only observe from a distance.
Russia
Dzerzhinsk
A city with 240,000 inhabitants, known for its chemical factories. The life expectancy is only 40 years.
Metro 2
A secret underground transport system that would connect the Kremlin to security agencies. The exact location is unknown.
Mezhgorye
A secret city in the Ural Mountains. It is believed to store nuclear missiles. Even approaching is not allowed.
Ozyorsk
After a leak, more than 20 million curies of radiation were released. The contaminated area exceeds 23,000 km².
Death Valley
In the Kamchatka Peninsula, it releases gases so toxic that not even bacteria survive. Dead animals remain intact in the area.
Extra Places
Google Data Centers
Spread across several continents, these places store and process the company’s data. They are highly protected and do not allow visitors.
Despite the curiosity surrounding these locations, most remain inaccessible for serious reasons, such as health risks, national security, or environmental preservation.
In all the places mentioned, the prohibition exists as a form of protection — both for humans and for the planet itself.
With information from Mercado e Eventos.
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