Posted by When we travel around the world, we love to take photos of the different places we’ve visited. Taking photos helps us hang on to those memories a bit longer. Once we get home, these pictures not only remind us of our adventures abroad, but they also help us share our impressions with others.
Some places are so off-limits, so sacred, or just so beautiful that it is forbidden to take photos of them, like some casinos, for example. Regardless of how picturesque or historic some destinations might be, you simply cannot photograph them. Having that said, if you’re planning your next vacation, you should check out these places where taking holiday snaps might not be such a good idea.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey isn’t just another beautiful church — it is a place where British monarchs have been taking the coronation oath since 1066. However, regardless of how breathtaking this Gothic church may be, visitors are not allowed to take photos inside it, and for a good reason.
Seeing how today’s traveling experience is more like a competition of who manages to post more photos on Instagram, this rule makes a lot of sense. The church simply wants to retain the intimate and sacred atmosphere of a building which is above all a house of prayer. However, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the Chapter House, Cloisters, and College Garden.
The Eiffel Tower
Those who have planned a romantic getaway to Paris should have in mind that posting selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower during nighttime is illegal. The reason why taking nighttime photos of the Eiffel Tower is illegal isn’t related to the building itself. Namely, the light show displayed on the Tower is actually an artistic display which is protected by copyright. The Eiffel Tower bursts into sparkling light every five minutes from dusk until dawn. And since dark, unlighted tower isn’t all that photogenic, taking nighttime photos that don’t violate the copyright is not all that desirable.
Taj Mahal
Many people are under the false impression that the Taj Mahal in India is a palace or a mosque. In reality, it is a mausoleum complex which was built by the order of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who wanted to house the remains of his favourite wife. As such, taking photos is strictly prohibited within the main mausoleum, and visitors also need to be quiet while inside.
Supreme Court
The visitors of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. can take personal photos of public spaces. However, although the Courtroom is the reason why many people come to see the Supreme Court, taking photographs of it is prohibited, according to the Federal Rule 53. It states that the Court doesn’t permit any kind of broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom, unless it’s otherwise provided by a statute of these rules.