Zero Mile/Kilometer Markers

WHS within which are markers (Ancient or Modern) indicating the starting point for the measurement of distances. Known nowadays as "Zero Kilometer stones".

World Heritage Sites connected to 'Zero Mile/Kilometer Markers':

  • Budapest Is located at Clark ?d?m t?r (Adam Clark square), at the Buda abutment of Chain Bridge, below Buda Castle. It is marked by a 3m high limestone sculpture.
  • Istanbul The "Milion" was a "mile marker" erected in early 4th century AD in Constantinople as the starting point for measurement of distances in the Byzantine Empire. Originally a building with arch, dome and statues it became a location for imperial ceremonies. It survived until early 16th century when the Ottomans demolished it. Fragments were rediscovered in the mid 1960s and a pillar from it stands in Hagia Sophia Square.
  • Kremlin and Red Square A marker exists at ground level just in front of the Iberian (or "Resurrection") gate and chapel linking the north end of Red Square with Manege Square.
  • Old Havana In front of El Capitolio
  • Paris, Banks of the Seine A marker exists at ground level in the square facing the main entrance of Notre Dame Cathedral.
  • Rome The "Umbilicus Urbis" ("Navel of the city") was the designated centre of Rome from which distances were measured. It was situated in the Forum and the remains exist today as a 2mtre high brick structure with a plaque. The "Milliarium Aureum" ("Golden Milestone") was a gilded monument erected by Augustus Caesar in the Forum. Whether it was the same as the earlier Umbilicus is not clear - nor whether some remains existing and marked as such today in the Forum were part of that monument. Today's Italian "Zero Kilometer Stone" is on Capitoline Hil.