The Green Vault

Here are a couple of photos of the Procession of Princes that we could not load yesterday.

Having scouted out Dresden yesterday we decided to have a slower day and to start off with another outdoors breakfast, and visit the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe or the Green Vault. The Vault was the treasure of Augustus the Strong and is reputed to be one of the world’s first museums. The collection is so vast it has been split into 3 parts. We decided it would be easier to split up with Dana and I going to the Armoury and the girls to the precious objects museum.

The armour collection is probably one of the best in the world. The suits and antique weaponry are works of art.

The displays include many exhibits posed in actual life-like situations, everything from armour for young boys to several different kinds of jousts.

This armour was the height of medieval technology and craftsmanship therefore it was very expensive especially when you consider the well-equipped duke or king had at least three different sets – one for tournaments, one for parades and one for the battlefield.

They even had two sets of armour made from solid silver.

Unfortunately the security on the precious object vaults is very tight and no cameras were allowed, therefore no photos.

Meeting up with the girls we headed back to the Market Square where the Spring Festival was in full swing. There were dozens of booths selling local crafts and food. We settled in for bratwurst and beer and some great people watching. We thought we’d give the Frauenkirche another try to see the interior but once again no luck.