Romanesque road sign

The stone Romanesque road sign in Konin is considered the oldest road sign in Europe beyond borders of the former Roman Empire. In the 12th century, it was situated near the castle in Konin as a signpost halfway between Kalisz and Kruszwica. It was 52 km from both of these cities.

Founded by Count palatine Piotr, the milestone was made of hard sandstone very resistant to erosion. It has 252 cm in height and cylindrical shape which narrows towards the top. It was put on the hexagonal plinth and topped by the stylized orb. It consists of the Latin inscription which says that it was placed here in order to mark the halfway between Kalisz and Konin.

In 1828, the obelisk was moved to the present place, near St. Bartholomew's Church. The origin of the road sign and also the identity of Count palatine Piotr are not clear to this day. There are various hypotheses on this subject.