The Stone of Million
Monument Byzantine milestone marking Constantinople's starting point
Near Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Milion-often called the ‘stone of the mile’-marked imperial distances across Constantinople; surviving fragments sit by the old Hippodrome. Visitors stop for a tangible remnant of the city’s Byzantine layout.
The Stone of Million refers to the Byzantine monument known as the Milion - the zero-mile marker of Constantinople - originally established near the imperial precinct by Constantine I. It served as the point from which distances in the Byzantine Empire were measured.
Only fragments and reused stones survive; these remnants are located in the Sultanahmet district close to the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia, where visitors can see pieces thought to belong to the original monument.
The Milion was erected in the early 4th century as part of Constantine’s reorganization of the imperial capital and it retained ceremonial and cartographic significance in later Byzantine practice.
The surviving fragment(s) lie within the historic core of Istanbul, adjacent to the Hippodrome and within sight of major monuments in the Sultanahmet quarter.
- Byzantine milestone: Originally the Byzantine zero-mile monument for the capital, erected in the early 4th century and associated with Constantine's city plan.
What to See #
- Milion fragment: A surviving fragment and associated stones believed to be part of the Byzantine Milion, the imperial zero-mile marker for Constantinople, displayed near the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia area.
How to Get to The Stone of Million #
The site is in Sultanahmet, central Istanbul, a short walk from Sultanahmet tram stop (T1) and adjacent to the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia.
Tips for Visiting The Stone of Million #
- Stand on the plaza by Hagia Sophia and look north to find the small, often-overlooked Milion fragments.
- Combine the visit with the nearby Byzantine Hippodrome, where the milestone once functioned as the zero point for imperial roads.
- Respect the site's fragility - the surviving fragments are best appreciated with a guide who can explain the milestone's role.
Best Time to Visit The Stone of Million #
Visit in shoulder seasons to avoid summer heat and crowds around Sultanahmet; the Milion is best experienced in the context of the nearby Byzantine monuments.
Weather & Climate near The Stone of Million #
The Stone of Million's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (696 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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