Zero Kilometre Stone

"At the approximate geographical center of Budapest, a 10-foot-tall limestone sculpture takes the form of a pointedly oval digit zero. This sculpture, though simple in its appearance, holds significant meaning as it marks the reference point from which the distances of all roads leading to Budapest are measured, visible on highway signs across Hungary. The sculpture rests on a four-sided base inscribed with “KM,” and around it are faded names and distances of various Hungarian cities and towns, radiating outward from the base toward their respective locations. These inscriptions subtly hint at the monument’s function, but many passersby, especially tourists, often miss its significance as they focus on the benches surrounding the area, unaware of its historical importance. The first kilometer-zero reference point of Budapest was originally placed at the threshold of the royal palace. However, it was relocated to its current position after the Chain Bridge was completed in 1849. The existing sculpture, created by Miklós Borsos, was installed in 1975 at the bottom terminus of the Buda Castle Hill Funicular. Borsos, known for his work in Budapest’s Kerepesi Cemetery, is also credited with designing the tombs of several notable individuals."