Kilometer Zero

Kilometer Zero (Russian: Нулевой километр), an attraction so little known that many locals walk past it without ever knowing what they are passing by.  This is because in our modern day few have any need to know where the center of the city is anymore. It’s also because you will find no markings anywhere except on the ground at the actual landmark.  Most people only realize that something is there if they see people standing around it taking pictures. This point is only the symbolic representation of Kilometer Zero. The true Kilometer Zero is about 550m away in a nearby building of the Central Telegraph.

Just outside of the Resurrection Gates from Red Square and near the State Historic Museum and statue of Marshal Zhukov you will find a large bronze ring embedded into the pavement.  Inside of this ring you will see in the middle a bronze plaque about the size of a beach ball with 4 additional larger plaques around it. This is the landmark, and you will not see any signs around it to let you know what it is.

People now come to this location because it is believed to be good luck to stand on the center plaque and throw a coin over your shoulder.  For your wish to come true, or your good fortune the coin needs to land within the large bronze ring. It is thought that anyone picking up the coins of others will have bad luck or negative energy.

History

Initially in 1985 the landmark was to be set up in the middle of Red Square between the GUM and Lenin’s Tomb.  It was actually constructed 10 years later in 1995 where it is today.  

Other Important Facts

Often you will find retirees standing around the landmark waiting for people to throw coins so they can collect them.  Some of the more crafty ones now use magnets to pick up the coins so they don’t have to bend over so much to collect their new found wealth.

In the evenings is the busiest time.  If you want to get a picture or selfie here without being rushed it’s best to come on a weekday before the late afternoon.

Other Nearby Attractions: Alexandrovsky Garden, State Historical Museum, Red Square, Kremlin, GUM, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Kazan Cathedral, War Museum, Monument to Prince Vladimir, Manezhnaya Square, Moscow Manege, The Kremlin Wall Necropolis, and the Kremlin Armory.

Too Long Didn’t Read:

• Little known and minor tourist attraction
• Stand in the middle and toss a coin over your shoulder for luck
• Don’t pick up other people’s coins or you’ll get bad luck.
• Symbolic representation of the center of Moscow.

Hours: 24/7 but best viewing and selfie opportunity is during daylight

Price: Free! (but bring a coin to throw for luck!

Closest Metro Stations:  Biblioteka Imeni Lenina (red line) & Okhotnyy Ryad (red line) & Ploshchad Revolyutsii (dark blue line).