North Brother Island – USA
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North Brother Island – USA
Home to some of the most well-known skyscrapers in the world and, of course, Lady Liberty, New York City is among the busiest cities. You can find many business and investment centers in the city. When we consider that, many of us would immediately think that there isn’t any place in New York City which is close to the public. However, we are actually wrong. North Brother, an island close to the East River, is known for its history. There was a time before when the island had a hospital, which later became a rehabilitation center. However, it eventually closed in the ‘60s and has since become a bird sanctuary. Herons and other shorebirds made the place their home, probably because it wasn’t open to the public.
Poveglia – Italy
Poveglia – Italy
Situated in Northern Italy, near Venice and Lido, Poveglia Island has a reputation for being the most haunted Italian island. A few centuries ago, it was a quarantine center for different illnesses like the plague and other horrible medical conditions. Throughout history, many people that were affected by these diseases were laid to rest on the island. Aside from that, the quarantine center on Poveglia Island served another purpose. It was a mental hospital until it was closed in the late ‘60s. There are a lot of spooky events on Poveglia, but many people still dare to come to the island in search of the truth. In the end, however, they all flee out of the island, embarrassed. Needless to say, they leave because of fear. Since the center’s closure, little to no investment has been made on the island. The local government has decided to close it to the public.
Surtsey Island – Iceland
Surtsey Island – Iceland
Iceland has many volcanoes, including the seabed kind. During the early ‘60s, one of these seabed volcanoes erupted, and the eruption lasted for four years. After the dust settled, Surtsey Island surfaced, with an area of roughly 2.7 square kilometers and an altitude of about 130 meters. After the eruption, research was conducted on the island. Scientists were shocked to some degree about how much ecological progress the island had seen in a really short period of time. They believe that due to the erosion from sea tides, the island would be on the surface for around 100 years. However, it still isn’t inhabitable and people are not allowed to visit as well.
Heard Island – Australia
Heard Island – Australia
Heard Island is among the most remote islands not only in Australia but also in the world. Situated in the Indian Ocean, it is actually a complex and active volcano with a 2745- feet elevation and it is mostly covered by ice. Aside from the volcano and the danger it poses, the weather on Heard Island is deadly as well. While there are no people living on the island, it is home to animals, mostly penguins, seals, and birds which can survive in the harsh environment. There is no use preparing sea vessels and gas for a trip to the island since the Australian government prohibits visiting the region. If visitations were allowed, the neighboring island’s route would have to be used to get to Heard Island. Currently, this place is protected by Australian authorities as well.
Tomb Of Qin Shi Huang – China
Tomb Of Qin Shi Huang – China
One of the most remarkable discoveries of all time is the Terra-Cotta Warriors of Xi’an. Thousands of lifelike statues which portray ancient Chinese soldiers fill up secret caverns of Qin Shi Huang’s burial ground. It looks like China’s first emperor got some homeowner’s insurance in the afterlife. The site is one of most popular tourist spots in China, but the tomb itself remains a protected mystery. It seems likely that the tomb will remain sealed, at least in the near future. Rumor has it that the area is surrounded by booby traps against invaders. Aside from that, there is also a high concentration of mercury in the tomb, so entering without proper safety measures would be unsafe and could be deadly.
Mezhgorye – Russia
Mezhgorye – Russia
If you are planning to visit all the towns in the Southern part of Russia’s Ural Mountains, then you are in for some major disappointment. Local authorities have forbidden entry into and exit from the town of Mezhgorye. We doubt you’ll be granted access even if your lawyer is good. The place was found in the late ’70s, and there were rumors back then that Mezhgorye served as Russia’s storage point for its weapons. Some people believed that there are precious minerals and gas near the town’s vicinity. Others think that a secret base may be located in the town, and something is being studied there. Whatever the reason, it is best to follow local laws to avoid any issues.
Bohemian Grove – USA
Bohemian Grove – USA
In Monte Rio, California, there is a campground that is exclusive for the elite. The place is called the Bohemian Grove and it is for members of the Bohemian Club, an exclusive gentlemen’s club in San Francisco. Its members include prominent businessmen and key figures of the society, like politicians and other powerful people. A two-week meeting is held on the campground each year, in addition to other club activities. The members are divided into groups, which have been given mysterious and crazy names like “Lost Angel” or “Cave Man”. During the gathering, everyone gets a chance to speak. There are so many people together, but everyone can speak freely. A true rich man’s playground, the Bohemian Grove is a place where you can expect credit cards to go anytime without the holder having second thoughts about possible drawbacks.
Snake Island – Brazil
The well-known Snake Island in Brazil is called Ilha da Queimada Grande by the locals. You can find some of the rarest snakes in the world on the island, including the golden lancehead pit viper. With 43 hectares of landmass, the island is big enough for a small village, but local authorities prohibit people from living there. Entry to the island is restricted because of the snakes that reside on it. Local researchers have said that there are roughly one to five snakes every 10 square feet of the island. The Brazilian authorities have limited access to the island, but they allow the country’s Navy as well as a few researchers to be stationed there. Their government should be commended for protecting the public from these rare snakes and vice versa.
Snake Island – Brazil
Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Norway
You can find the most secure seed bank in the world in Spitsbergen, Norway. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault gets crop seeds that various gene banks all over the world send them for free storage. It was built to preserve and create plants in case something catastrophic happens to most of the planet. This place has been called the ‘Doomsday Vault’, which is a suitable name if you ask us. Here, you can find all types of seeds from different kinds of plants that grow in various parts of the world. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is pretty much a final level of insurance to make sure the world’s wildlife keeps going. The vault can withstand destructive explosions and massive earthquakes. It was built high above sea level, on the side of a mountain, so that it would remain safe in case all of the ice in the planet melts.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Norway
Ise Grand Shrine – Japan
Japan has some of the world’s most stunning and elegant shrines. As a matter of fact, there are more than 80,000 shrines located in the country. That pretty much tells you how important culture and traditions are for Japan. The Japanese spiritual pillar, the Ise Grand Shrine was only opened to foreigners in 1957. It is located in Ise City in Mie Prefecture and has multiple shrines connected to two main Shinto shrines, which are called Gekū and Naikū. In the past, the public had access to these shrines, but in recent times, they have become exclusive to the Imperial family of Japan. Since the Ise Grand Shrine is now closed to the public, a state of the art security system can be expected around its perimeter.
Ise Grand Shrine – Japan
Pravčická Brána – Czech Republic
The largest natural sandstone arch, and perhaps the greatest in all of Europe, the Pravčická Brána is a natural beauty. A lot of people have been blown away by this majestic scene. Many say that it looks like a movie set that some famous studio created. The arch is around 16 meters high and spans almost 26.5 meters. Nature sculpted this piece of art on the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Aside from being one of the biggest natural rock gates located on the mainland, the Pravčická Brána is also a natural monument in Switzerland. A symbol of Bohemian Switzerland, the arch is considered to be the most stunning natural structure in the entire region. Due to the composition of the earth beneath the arch, the Pravčická Brána is prone to deformation and erosion. This is the reason visits to the arch are restricted.
Pravčická Brána – Czech Republic
North Sentinel Island – India
In addition to being a morphological change, human evolution also takes place in the brain, in our way of thinking. Because of information and globalization, it is pretty much impossible to exist independently of society. You would think that in this day and age, every single place in the world has already been touched by modernization to some degree. However, there might be an exemption to this, and it can be found in the Bay of Bengal. The Sentinelese have called North Sentinel Island home for many decades now. They are among the few tribes who resist any contact with the rest of the world. Authorities have also prohibited all marine vessels from getting closer than five nautical miles to the island because of some incidents. A few lives were lost after an encounter with the tribesmen.
North Sentinel Island – India
Niʻihau Island – USA
Dubbed as the ‘The Forbidden Isle’ by the Hawaiians, the island of Niʻihau only has two points of access. To be able to visit, you should either have a relative living in the region or you are a US Navy member. The island is also really remote and their access to standard utilities like electricity and the internet is limited. There are times these utilities are not available at all. According to records, the island has roughly 160 to 170 residents, and it is expected that number will remain stagnant for the next few years. On the bright side, the fact that only a small number of people reside on Niʻihau Island helps in the preservation of the natural habitat of Brighamia insignis, which is endemic to the region.
Niʻihau Island – USA
Morgan Island – USA
Morgan Island is located in Beaufort County in South Carolina. Locals all it Monkey Island due to the sheer number of rhesus monkeys living on it. With a swampy topography, the island is home to nearly 3,500 free-roaming monkeys. Morgan Island is basically a 4,489-acre marshland. That’s huge ground space for the wild primates. Records show that the rhesus monkeys living on the island came from La Parguera, Puerto Rico. It is said that the monkeys were relocated because they caused a virus outbreak in some areas in Puerto Rico. At the suggestion of local researchers, these monkeys were rehabilitated on Morgan Island. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) now owns the monkeys on the island.
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Morgan Island – USA
Vatican Apostolic Archive – Vatican City
Popular culture has repeatedly mystified the Vatican Secret Archives, but it is not really illusory. Nevertheless, many people still believe that the Vatican keeps a lot of secrets, which are hidden in the Vatican Apostolic Archive located in the Cortile del Belvedere. While these are just speculations, it is true that there are thousands of official documents and manuscripts that are restored and kept in this place. It is basically a compendium of world history that has been written over the past 800 years. By definition, the Pope has all authority over the whole archive and he is considered to be its owner. The Vatican Apostolic Archive is accessible to only a select few. Those with a specialty in history or who are doing important research about the church still need to apply in order to access some of the Vatican’s records. This place definitely has an extremely advanced level of security system.
Vatican Apostolic Archive – Vatican City
Spy Museum – China
In Nanjing, China, there is a museum that showcases a collection of spy tools and objects that you’ve likely seen in movies. The Jiangsu National Security Education Museum is located in Nanjing’s Yuhuatai Scenic Area. The main building’s designer is Professor Kang Qi, the Institute of Architecture of Southeast University director and a Chinese Academy of Sciences academician. If you are in China, It would be a great place to visit. However, the Chinese government has unfortunately prohibited foreigners from entering the museum. Over the past few years, the security of the place has gotten more favorable to foreigners. Who knows, one day, the government might open the place for everyone.
Spy Museum – China
Bhangarh Fort – India
The Bhangarh Fort is located in Rajasthan, India. A famous tourist spot, the fort offers majestic views as it sits on Alwar district’s rolling hills. However, local authorities have set a strict rule that prohibits anyone from entering the fort between sunset and sunrise. Many people believe that the Bhangarh Fort is among the most haunted spots in India, with ill ghouls and curses. If you put it that way, it does sound like the place is pretty scary to visit. Locals tell stories of people vanishing into thin air when they enter the restricted areas of the fort. If you have nerves of steel and a lion’s heart, you can try making the trip. However, we suggest you prepare a quality insurance policy. Something unexpected might happen.
Bhangarh Fort – India
Chichen Itza Pyramid – Mexico
One of the key Mayan civilization centers located on the Yucatan Peninsula is the Chichen Itza. There have been many ethnic groups who have left their footprints there. The ancient city is home to one of Mexico’s oldest pyramids. It is said that the Mayans built this engineering marvel in the 6th century, and it became their civilization’s religious, political, military, and commercial center. In order to preserve this wonder, you have to follow strict rules if you book a tour to these great pyramids. One of those rules is not climbing the pyramid. The rule was created for the safety of the tourists as well. If the local authorities had implemented it early on, the accident that happened in 2006, where a woman slipped on the steps and eventually died, could have been avoided.
Chichen Itza Pyramid – Mexico
Pluto’s Gate – Turkey
The ancient Greek city Hierapolis is located on the Pamukkale Mountain. Several temples and other religious structures are in the territory, and the archaeological circle refers to it as “Holy City”. If you visit Turkey and you have enough gas, you might come across the ancient city in Pamukkale, Turkey. Pluto’s Gate is situated in the city. It is a religious site created in honor of the Greek god Pluto. Nowadays, visits to the area are not allowed since it comes with health risks. A high concentration of carbon dioxide is said to be around Pluto’s Gate. Surprisingly enough, when the sun is high, the carbon dioxide level goes down, but to prevent chances of inhaling the gas, authorities have decided to close off the area.
Pluto’s Gate – Turkey
Room 39 – North Korea
Since North Korea faces several international sanctions, the outside world has been wondering where they get their money from. There is a place in North Korea called Room 39, and it has been veiled in mystery for a few decades now. The area is also referred to as Bureau 39, Division 39, or Office 39. People are prohibited from visiting or getting close to this place. Rumor has it that North Korean authorities carry do sketchy activities in the site. Some people believe that funding is sorted out and money management activities are done in this area. North Korea is secluded, so very few to no details are available regarding the real use of Room 39. Since it was founded in the late ’70s, everything about this area remains hidden in the clouds.
Room 39 – North Korea
Diego García Island – British Overseas Territories
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Diego García Island is a beach lover’s haven. With beautiful, white sandy beaches and luscious greenery here and there, the island seems to be the perfect place for a relaxing day at the beach. However, the public is actually not allowed on the island, and security is really tight. While it is very mysterious and far from the mainland, it is well known because it is a US military base. In case you didn’t know, Diego García Island plays an important role in the military aspect of things. The place is uninhabited, but there are a few bases around the region and there are local military men stationed in the ground. In the past, locals used to live on the island but they were relocated and it is now an exclusive military island.
Diego García Island – British Overseas Territories
The Coca-Cola Vault In Atlanta – USA
Considered the most famous carbonated drink in the world, Coca-Cola has been in the business for over a century now. This proves they have skills in investment planning. For the past few decades now, they have had a good track record, and their books would probably show their success. Therefore, they would protect their cola recipe at all costs. After all, it’s their bread and butter. They take security seriously, which is why they built a vault to keep their secret recipe safe and well, secret. The vault has a door that is roughly three meters high and has a coke bottle with a keyhole on it. Their top-secret formula is secured in a museum located in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Coca-Cola Vault In Atlanta – USA
The White’s Club – UK
Located in St James’s, London, the White’s Club is the city’s oldest gentlemen’s club. It is also among the grandest in the world. The club began selling hot chocolate drinks, though it eventually became a gentleman’s club. The exclusive club’s members include prominent figures like British royals Prince Charles and Prince William, and David Cameron, the former British Prime Minister. In addition to political and social figures, there are also big names in the investment scenes who are members of this club. Ladies are unfortunately prohibited from entering the club’s domain, with the exception of the Queen herself. Elizabeth II visited the club in 1991 and 2016. A female daredevils have tried sneaking into the club in the guise of men.
The White’s Club – UK
Disney Club 33 – USA
While many people have been to Disneyland, very few people can say they have been through the doors of the exclusive Disney Club 33, one of the most well-known clubs in the country. If you think Disney is just for kids, the organization would certainly change your mind. They mainly operate in the middle of the Disneyland grounds, but their base is hidden. This secret club only opens its doors to a small circle of individuals. Needless to say, club membership comes with a lot of perks, including VIP treatment and exclusive access, among other benefits which ordinary folks could only dream of. The members of the club are loaded, so credit card balances, initiation fees and other dues aren’t an issue.
Disney Club 33 – USA
The Dome Of The Rock – Jerusalem
Most people who have visited the beautiful landmark have nothing but admiration for the old city of Jerusalem. The most famous spot in the area would have to be the Dome of the Rock. In Islam, the third holiest place is the Temple Mount because it is where Muhammad started his journey to the sky. However, the golden Islamic shrine is not accessible to non-Muslims. Needless to say, not everyone can enter the shine – which, we think, is a bummer, but we should honor their culture’s tradition. So, there’s that. For those fortunate enough to witness the shrine’s immaculate beauty, many say that it is an unforgettable sight. That’s basically what the Dome of Rock is in a nutshell.
The Dome Of The Rock – Jerusalem
Bank Of England Vaults – UK
If you ask financial advisors, many would likely agree that gold is integral in anyone’s portfolio. The high value of gold in the market attracts many investors, so it can open up doors for new ventures. Did you know that there is a place in the United Kingdom where nearly 3% of all the gold that is mined in the world is stored? The Bank of England Vaults can hold as many as 400,000 gold bars. The nation’s financial heart, the vault is located underground, and holds 28-pound 24-carat gold bars placed in piles. There are an estimated 15,000 pure gold bars that weigh roughly 210 tons in total in the vault. Because of how valuable the items stored in these vaults are, access to the place is limited to very few individuals. However, a tour is available online if you are want to see what the vault looks like inside.
Bank Of England Vaults – UK
Fort Knox – USA
In 1937, Fort Knox was built because the U.S. Treasury Department run out of space for the gold that it had collected. A few miles south of Louisville in Kentucky, you’ll see the nation’s most heavily guarded military installation. One of the reasons why there are plenty of guards stationed here is the gold reserves that can be found in the vicinity of Fort Knox. Since gold has a high value, it is no surprise that the government invests in the security of these precious minerals. Only authorized personnel are allowed to enter Fort Knox and the surrounding buildings. The vaults’ guards only have access to specific security codes, so they need to ask for other’s codes to open the vault.
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Fort Knox – USA
