The World's Sealed Secrets: Where Curiosity Meets Consequences

Despite all of our current technological prowess, which makes it seem as though the whole world is at our fingertips with just one click, there are corners of our world where the "No Trespassing"😳😲 sign can be enforced by international law, military might, and even by nature’s own deadly prowess. These are the limits of our world for one of two reasons: to keep our world’s sensitive environments pristine or to keep our secrets safe by entombing them deep within our earth’s bosom. For the soul of adventure that thrives on what is forbidden, what price needs to be paid for admission? A hefty fine is expensive enough—but for these places, one’s freedom, health, and life are all at risk for just crossing that line.😱😱

1. Vatican Apostolic Archive, Vatican City

 The Vatican Apostolic Archive is a massive repository of documents spanning many years of papal, royal, and other sensitive documents. Access is granted to some parts of it, but many parts are strictly out of bounds. This is because the documents are quite delicate. But what if a tourist manages to wander into the out-of-bounds sections? There could be permanent banning from all Vatican institutions, confiscation of documents, or legal proceedings according to Vatican law. The security is unobtrusive, but it is very strict. Being banned is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Vatican Apostolic Archive, also known as Archivum Apostolicum Vaticanum in Latin, is the central archive for all documents promulgated by the Holy See. It is among the most famous centers in the whole world for historical research because of the archives that date back over 1,200 years.

1. "Secret" No More

Its name has been known for centuries as the Vatican Secret Archive (Archivio Segreto Vaticano). But as of October 2019, Pope Francis renamed this particular institution to "Vatican Apostolic Archive."

The Translation: The term "Secret" itself was derived from the Latin word "secretum," which in reality is "private/separate," referring to the Pope's ownership of the documents, as opposed to "classified."

The Goal: The goal of the name change was the dispelling of modern mythologies and conspiracy theories about the archive, emphasizing that the archive is a resource for academic service rather than a location for secrets.

2. Scale and Contents

The size of the archive is enormous, with 85 kilometers (53 miles) of shelving. It houses some of the world’s most celebrated documents, including:

Galileo’s Trial: Original transcripts of the trial of Galileo Galilei in 1633.

Henry VIII’s Divorce

The 1530 petition by English nobles to Pope Clement VII for the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, sparking the English Reformation.

Mary, Queen of Scots: A letter written by Mary to Pope Sixtus V before she was executed.

The Bull of Excommunication: The 1521 document by Pope Leo X that excommunicated Martin Luther.

3. Access and "The Bunker"

Access is rigorously controlled and limited to approved researchers only.

Who can visit: Access is limited to persons with an MA+ degree and above (or equivalents) who are pursuing particular historical research. It does not include tourists. The Bunker: Due to the expanding collection, a huge two-story underground bunker made of reinforced concrete was constructed underneath the Cortile della Pigna (the Pine Cone Courtyard). Opening Policy: The Vatican opens its archives in "blocks" related to various pontificates. For example, Pope Francis opened archives related to the papacy of Pope Pius XII, during WWII, in 2020, so research could be done about how WWII affected the Church. 4. Location The archive itself is located in Vatican City, hidden behind the Vatican Library. Access usually involves entrance from Porta Sant'Anna and further on through Cortile del Belvedere.

2. North Sentinel Island, India

The Risk: It is home to a tribe called the Sentinelese. This is because this tribe has isolated themselves for more than 50,000 years. Additionally, they are known to be aggressive to visitors while at the same time lacking immunity to diseases such as the flu.

If the tourist intends to visit: The Indian Navy has a buffer zone of 3 miles. If you decide to bypass all of the above, the tribe will most probably welcome you with a shower of arrows. Just a few years ago, in 2018, an American missionary was slain moments after he stepped on the shore. If you can survive the natives, the Indian Constabulary will take you into custody for walking on aboriginal lands that are protected by the "Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act."

3. Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil

The Risk: Thousands of Golden Lancehead Vipers infest this island, which ranks among the most dangerous snakes in the world. The venom in their bite can melt human flesh.

If a tourist attempts to visit: The Brazilian Navy maintains a strict grip on who gets to go. If a tourist is somehow able to sneak in, they will be entering a death zone where there are reportedly one snake per square meter. There is also no local hospital in case they are injured. Scientists are required to bring a doctor with them in order to ensure they make it to the ventilator alive.

4. Area 51, United States

The risk: Highly Classified U.S. Air Force Installation

Though entertainment portrays it as an alien encounter, the truth is that it involves testing new and innovative military technology.

If the tourist attempts to enter: You will encounter “Camo Dudes” (private security people) and motion sensors before you see any buildings. Entering the country will get you detained immediately, with a mandatory fine of at least $1,000, and possibly prison time. The signs clearly say that “lethal force is authorized.”

4. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway

The Risk: Also known as the “Doomsday Vault,” it holds more than a million samples of crop seeds that could replant agriculture in the event of a world catastrophe. 

If a tourist attempts to visit: You can take a snapshot of the concrete entrance monument, while the vault itself is hidden away at 120 meters deep inside a mountain. It’s guarded by sophisticated security systems and, as one might expect, the harsh conditions of the Arctic climate. Breaking into it will result in immediate deportation from the Svalbard Archipelago with a lifetime ban on visiting the site. 

4. Caves De Lasca

The Risk: These caves contain 17,000-year-old Paleolithic paintings. Exhaled human breath (carbon dioxide) and body heat contributed to the growth of mold, endangering the artwork. 

If a tourist attempts to enter:None of the original caves are open since 1963. Security is always tight in order to maintain the balance of atmosphere. Should anyone be discovered attempting to enter, "destruction of cultural heritage" is a crime that warrants severe prison sentences in France.