The Best-Guarded Treasures in the World - Atlas Obscura Lists
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The Best-Guarded Treasures in the World

A tour of some of the strongest, deepest, and safest hiding spots on Earth.

by Elliot Carter
8 Places

Across the globe, powerful organizations, national governments, and wealthy individuals have constructed a dazzling array of hiding spots for their most coveted assets. Whether it’s thieves, terrorists, or climate change, the threats are as diverse as the manner of confounding them.

From a vast seed bank in the Arctic to the underground mine where Mormons keep their genealogical records, these elaborate stashes were built without regard to cost as failure is not an option; the only limit to their design is human ingenuity. Here is a tour of some of the strongest vaults, coldest stores, and deepest archives in the world.

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Washington, D.C.

Treasury Department Cash Vault

Where the U.S. government kept its actual treasure, before Fort Knox.
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
Dresden, Germany

Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault)

The largest treasure hoard in Europe is contained in a castle that was bombed out during World War II.
easydistance Added by easydistance