Tourists usually expect to capture their travels through photography. However, some places impose strict no-photography rules due to security, privacy, or cultural reasons.

The Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

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Photography is strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel,\ in the Apostolic Palace, the Pope's official residence. Known initially as the Capella Magna, it was constructed by Pope Sixtus IV between 1473 and 1481.

This rule preserves the delicate artwork and maintains the sanctity of the space, as flash photography can damage the frescoes. Michelangelo painted the chapel's ceiling in fresco between 1508 and 1512, a cornerstone of High Renaissance art.

The Vatican rigorously enforces this ban, so visitors should respect it and enjoy the artwork without their cameras.

The Eiffel Tower at night, France

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While taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower during the day is allowed, photographing the illuminated tower at night is technically illegal.

The light display is considered an artistic work protected by copyright, and commercial use of night-time photos without permission can lead to legal issues.

Every evening, the Tower sparkles in gold for the first five minutes of every hour, shining across Paris. The system was inaugurated in December 1985, designed by lighting engineer Pierre Bideau, featuring 336 spotlights.

For personal use, it's generally overlooked, but it’s good to be aware of the rule.

The Alamo, USA

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San Antonio's Alamo in Texas was founded in the 18th century by Catholic missionaries. It was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution.

Today it is a museum and part of the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site.

To maintain its sanctity and respect for those who died there, photography is not allowed inside the buildings. Visitors are encouraged to experience the history and solemnity of the site without the distraction of cameras.

The Taj Mahal, India

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While photography is allowed in the gardens and exterior areas of the Taj Mahal, it’s prohibited inside the main mausoleum.

This rule helps preserve the interior’s delicate marble work and maintain a respectful atmosphere. The marble mausoleum was commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor in 1631 to house the tomb of his beloved wife and also houses the tomb of the emperor himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 42-acre complex which includes a mosque and a guest house.

The Tower of London’s Crown Jewels, UK

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The Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London, are among the most famous treasures in the world. They include the coronation regalia and vestments worn by British monarchs, and are and the most historically complete set in the world.

Most of the collection dates from around 350 years ago when Charles II ascended the throne, as the medieval and Tudor regalia had been sold or melted down after the monarchy was abolished during the English Civil War.

However, photography of the jewels is strictly forbidden. This rule is enforced to ensure the security and preservation of these priceless artefacts. Visitors can admire the jewels but must leave their cameras outside.

The Sistine Chapel of Nature, Hawaii

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The stunning underwater location in the Molokini Crater, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Nature, has areas where photography is restricted.

This is to protect the delicate marine ecosystem, which includes approximately 250 to 260 marine species such as yellow tang, Moorish idol, parrotfish, whitetip reef sharks, and moray eels. There are also 38 hard coral species and around 100 species of algae.

The crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater in Hawaii is a destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, housing a reef with visibility as deep as 46 metres.

The Catacombs of Paris, France

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While you can take photos in some parts of the Catacombs of Paris, many areas strictly prohibit photography.

These rules are in place to respect the remains of the millions of Parisians buried there and to prevent overcrowding.

The underground ossuaries hold the remains of more than six million people, created as part of the effort to eliminate the effects of the city's overflowing cemeteries.

Several notable victims of the French Revolution were transferred there, including Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, and Madame Roland. It was opened to public visitation from 1874.

Red Light District, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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In Amsterdam’s Red Light District, De Wallen, photography of the windows displaying sex workers is strictly prohibited.

This rule is in place to protect the privacy and safety of the workers.

In 1811, the ban on prostitution was lifted, with men from the French Imperial Naval Corps being the main clients for prostitutes in De Wallen during the Napoleonic era.

Tourists should be respectful and avoid taking photos in these areas to comply with local laws and customs.

Uluru, Ayers Rock, Australia

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Uluru, Ayers Rock, a large sandstone landmark, is a sacred site for the Indigenous Anangu people, or Pitjantjatjara.

It is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks and has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1930s. In 1873, surveyor William Gosse sighted the landmark and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers.

In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted to allow the official Aboriginal name to be included. It was reversed to Uluru/Ayers Rock in 2002.

While photography is allowed from certain viewpoints, there are specific areas where it is forbidden to take photos, especially if they depict sacred sites.

Westminster Abbey, UK

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Inside Westminster Abbey, photography is not allowed. This rule is enforced to preserve the atmosphere of worship and respect the historical significance of the abbey.

Since 1066, it has been the location of the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs and the burial site for 18 English, Scottish and British monarchs, including Henry VII, Elizabeth I, Charles II, and Mary, Queen of Scots.

At least 16 royal weddings have taken place at Westminster Abbey since 1100, including Prince Philip and the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, in 2011.

Visitors are encouraged to take in the beauty and history without their cameras, keeping the experience solemn and respectful.

IOL Travel