The Green Vault is one of Europe's most extraordinary treasure collections, housed in the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace). Augustus the Strong established it in 1723 to display the wealth of Saxony, and the sheer volume of gold, jewels, ivory, and amber on show is staggering.
There are two parts. The Historic Green Vault on the ground floor recreates the original baroque display rooms, where thousands of objects sit in mirrored cabinets without glass cases — you walk among them. The highlight is the Court of Delhi, a gold-and-enamel tableau with 137 figures and over 5,000 diamonds. The New Green Vault upstairs presents individual masterpieces in modern cases with better lighting, including a cherry stone carved with 185 faces.
Timed tickets for the Historic Green Vault sell out fast; book well in advance online. The New Green Vault is easier to get into. Allow at least two hours for both.