The most visited places you are not allowed to photograph

1/29/2020

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Geography Story: The most visited places you are not allowed to photograph

It's hard to believe that some of the most recognizable and visited places are not allowed to be photographed! For some of them there's a restriction for taking photos inside the buildings, for others you have to buy a permission for photo shooting.

#1 Eiffel Tower

People are free to take photos of the tower itself any time they want, however, there are some restrictions. You might be surprised that it's forbidden to share photographs of the night-lit Eiffel Tower without permission. The illumination was added in 1985 and is an artistic work. So it is protected by copyright law.

#2 Neuschwanstein Castle

This is one of the most visited castles in Europe. It can be visited only with a guided tour and it is forbidden to take photos or videos inside the castle.

#3 Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is considered as one of the New Wonders of the World. It was built in 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. It is forbidden to take photos inside the building. Besides, it's better to check beforehand which items are not allowed to be taken inside.

#4 Sistine Chapel

In this gorgeous museum photo shooting is also prohibited. The museum presents the greatest works of art which can be damaged by the flashing of cameras.

#5 Grand Canyon Skywalk

This bridge with a glass walkway attracts millions of people. Personal cameras are forbidden here though visitors can purchase a professional photograph.

#6 Uluru and Kata-Tjuta National Park

If you want to take photos for commercial purposes you'll need special permission. However, there are some places in this park which are considered to be holy and you can't take photos even for your own.

#7 Westminster Abbey

The main reason why photo shooting is forbidden inside Westminster Abbey is the holiness of this place. Besides, it can disturb other people. All the visitors can download photos from the website for personal use.

And what about you? How does it strike you? Do you have any thoughts or ideas to share ? You are welcome to do so in the comments below!

#Geography #Culture #Society

What are your thoughts on this subject?

41 Comments

Nick Hand

I'm not sure about the wording of number 6. The sites around Uluru that you're not allowed to photograph are culturally sensitive for the Anangu people because they're either women's sites that Anangu men aren't permitted to see or vice versa. 'Holy' isn't the right word. I know, because I'm a tour guide there.

Alan Turner

I saw a Japanese tourist thrown out of the Great Pyramid of Giza for using flash photography under ground. Flash can damage the paintings

Judi Hanan

I would just love to see all those places. They must be so beautiful. Some places are just sacred.

Ilias Tsiabardas

from what I know in the Museum's it's forbidden to take Flash photographs

Fred Mayes

Whenever we toured the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, NC (a long time ago), I was told no photography permitted. Once when touring Washington DC I was taking time exposures at night. A guard watched me for awhile, then came over and told me I couldn't take pictures unless I had a tripod permit. I tried to obtain one the next day, but couldn't find anyone to issue me one. He probably just wanted me to leave.

brown dorothy

Leticia Olsen, Me, too!

AskMrsP

Most people have smartphones these days and you can easily disable the flash to be more discreet in sacred buildings and less harmful to light-sensitive paintings etc.

John Bayly

Have had the pleasure of visiting the Eiffel Tower and Westminster Abby.

Elsy O. Stromberg

Dave, The borders are closed and illegal immigrants don't get welfare or baby formula and no immigrants get a phone. Who do you think is giving out free phones?

Mark Yakabuski

The Swiss guards at the Sistine Chapel are constantly saying “No photographie” but that doesn’t stop people craning their necks and snapping photos of the ceiling.

Tulin Bulay

I went to the Taj Mahal and I did take photos of the decorative flowers made of stone inside in the 80 s.

Leticia Olsen

👍🏼Eiffel Tower, Sistine Chapel and Westminster Abbey, I’ve been and seen. We’re allowed to take pictures of the building outside but prohibited to take pictures inside. Lovely architectural buildings!!

Costa Christie

John Milette,This is in fact the dome in St. Peter's Basilica. Check it on Google images.

Wyla Reedy

I had no idea photos were forbidden in these famous places! But with technology as it is, couldn't a person video the tour?

Bob Fowler

I feel it is virtually impossible to police this in modern times , with a camera in every ones phone . I admit to having the odd photo where it was restricted .