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 at a Glance#
Address: Near Sultanahmet Square / Hippodrome area, Istanbul, Turkey
Admission: Free
About The Stone of Million#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 4° | 92 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 4° | 64 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.2h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.4 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 26° | 21° | 29 mm | some cloud | 69% | 2.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 24° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 66% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 14.7h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 24° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 66% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 25° | 20° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 88 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 110 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
