The Secret Vaults Protecting the World’s Most Valuable Treasures
Throughout history, countries, organizations, and private individuals have gone to great lengths to protect their most valuable assets. Whether its diamonds, artworks, documents, or gold, safeguarding these precious goods has been a critical aspect of preserving their value over time – and their vaults have had to reflect this. From ancient grain stores to modern-day financial institutions, here’s a look at some of the world’s most secure vaults.
Cheynne Mountain
Cheyenne Mountain is a heavily fortified nuclear bunker located in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, USA. Built between 1961 and 1966, the bunker is designed to withstand a direct nuclear strike, and its also one of the USA’s most secure locations for storing some of the country’s most valuable secrets.
The facility has over 25 “secure” and “top-secret” vaults which store and protect a wide range of classified documents. These documents are guarded by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and are only available to the US government and its allies.
Apple Park
Apple Park, situated in Cupertino, is one of the world’s most sophisticated headquarters in the tech industry. However, it is also home to a highly sophisticated and ultra-secure vault.
The vault, which guards the company’s vast supply of valuable patents, is built into the base of the infamous “spaceship” building.The storeroom is a pressurized and mechanically sealed chamber that houses over 700,000 patents, and is armored to defend against theft or unauthorized access. The facility is tightly monitored by biometric scanners that only allow the authorized personnel access.
Fort Knox
Fort Knox, the United States’ highest security depository for gold, is one of the most renowned high-end vaults in the world. Located in Kentucky, the vault requires authentication from five different government security departments before one can even enter the premises.
Once inside, the four-story facility is encased in solid granite and lined with state-of-the-art security features, such as laser beams, heat and motion sensors, and CCTV cameras.The entire facility is closely monitored and guarded by US armored personnel.
Panama Vault
The Panama Vault is located in Panama City, Panama, inside one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The vault has become famed for its secrecy and high levels of security. It is owned by an anonymous shell company and guarded by numerous security personnel, making it one of the most secure facilities in the world.
Inside, the vault is equipped with complex surveillance systems and multiple cameras that monitor the movements of its guests. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with redundant mechanical systems that are designed to prevent faulty wiring and pre-empt any electrical failures.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is located in New York City and is the most secure financial institution in the USA. It is host to the US government’s gold reserve, amounting to 90 percent of the country’s total gold supply.
The bank is protected by several layers of security, including an outer wall, multiple checkpoints and biometric scanners, and a sophisticated vault that uses advanced computerized locking technology to ensure security.
Starnberg Vault
The Starnberg Vault is situated deep inside of a mountain near Starnberg, Germany. It was built in the late 19th century and is said to contain millions of dollars worth of gold and jewelry, as well as several priceless paintings and ancient artifacts.
The vault is protected by several layers of security, including a heat-resistant door that is heavily guarded, various CCTV cameras and motion sensors, and a complex security system designed to detect any vibrations from unauthorized intruders.
Bunker in Wiltshire, England
The bunker located in Wiltshire, England, is believed to be the largest and most secure bunker in the world. Built in the 1950s and 60s, the bunker comprises an underground complex of connected tunnels and chambers that span over 50 miles and were originally used by the Ministry of Defense as a medical supply and training facility.
Today, the bunker still serves as a secure facility and is used by several aerospace companies and organizations. The complex is heavily guarded by armed guards and CCTV cameras, and entry is supplied only to those with authorization.
Pittsburgh Valley Vault
The Pittsburgh Valley Vault is a state-of-the-art vault that is located underneath Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County Courthouse. It contains millions of dollars worth of gold, diamonds, and various private documents, as well as a collection of valuable paintings and ancient artifacts.
The vault is guarded by a 40-ton, 18-billion-pound steel door, which is designed to withstand a nuclear blast. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with 24-hour surveillance and motion sensors, as well as a sophisticated alarm system.
From Cheynne Mountain to Apple Park, the secure vaults of the world serve as the guardians of some of the world’s most valuable assets. Each of these vaults is uniquely equipped with the latest security features and high-tech gadgets to ensure the safety of the items stored within. Whether it’s ancient artifacts or diamonds, these vaults are absolutely essential for shielding our most beloved treasures.
