Km 0

They say God is everywhere, but he attends in Buenos Aires. Where else could our Km 0be, then? All roads in the Argentine Republic start in the City of Buenos Aires , more specifically in the Congressionalneighborhood.

However, our Km 0 is somewhat “vague”. The monolith representing it was originally located in Plaza Lorea. In 1935 the monument, the work of the sculptors brothers Maximus and José Fioravanti, was inaugurated by President Agustín P. Justo and located there. Then, by decree of 18 May 1944, he was transferred to its current location: in Plaza Moreno, on the street side Montevideo, between Rivadavia and Hipólito Yrigoyen. This square is located in the located between the two congresses and the Plaza Lorea, and that is why the confusion.

The monument is full of symbols. In shape of cubic stone, its four faces point towards the four points cardinal. On the north side there is an image of the Virgin of Lujan. On the southside, you can see an embossed map of the Republic of Argentina. Looking east, there are registered the dates of the inauguration and the names of the authorities. Finally, towards West, we see inscriptions in honor of General San Martín.

All roads lead to Rome

Why establish a monument that indicates the arbitrary beginning of the roads? It is believed that this tradition originated in Rome, from the installation of the “ Milliarium Aureum”, located in the Roman Forum, by Emperor Octavian Augustus. Hence the famous phrase “all roads lead to Rome” emerges. It is that literally all roads led to the Milliarium Aureum.

So, the next time you’re in walking near the Congress, take a turn to stand exactly at the Km 0.

Gabriela Saavedra

Argentina, licenciada en Comunicación Social y correctora. Me apasiona la escritura, la propia y la ajena. Mi amor por las palabras, por las frases mágicas y perfectas, me llevó a dirigir mi carrera profesional hacia la redacción, a lo que luego sumé la corrección para mejorar mis textos y, también, los de otros autores. Porque una imagen no siempre vale más que mil palabras. Gracias por leerme.