Istanbul Kilometre Zero

The zero marker for Istanbul has much more significance than your average Zero Kilometre marker – this one was the zero kilometre stone for the entire Byzantine empire.

The "Milion Stone", as it is known, was a zero mile marker constructed in the early 4th century AD in Constantinople, serving as the point from which distances were measured across the Byzantine Empire. It was erected by Septimus Severus,

Initially designed as a structure with an arch, dome, and statues, it was also a site for imperial ceremonies. The Milion remained intact until the early 16th century when it was demolished by the Ottomans. Fragments of the monument were uncovered in the mid-1960s, and today, a pillar from the Milion can be seen in Hagia Sophia Square.

The location of the Santiago Zero KM marker is near the Hagia Sophia and the entrance to the Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet (district of Eminönü, neighborhood of Cağaloğlu).

• Latitude: 41° 00.517' N
• Longitude: 28° 58.66167' E