Ground zero: the place from which all the heights of Spain are measured
Reaching the highest peak in the Pyrenees and being aware that it measures 3,404 metres, or knowing that Valdelinares is the highest village in Spain, at 1,695 metres, is something you have today without wondering where the starting point originates. Because it is simple, of course: it starts from sea level. But to make this possible, in the peninsula it has been necessary to have a zero ground from which to establish everything else. More than 150 years ago it was decided, after years of research, that this reference point should be in Alicante.
Ground zero is in Alicante, at the level of the Mediterranean Sea. | Shutterstock
Spain’s so-called ground zero is in fact located in the city of Alicante. The history of its choice dates back to the reign of Isabel II, when the decision was taken to create the National Geographic Institute, an institution that is still active today. One of the first tasks entrusted to it was to establish the exact altitude of each topographical feature in the country. This is where the need to establish this reference point was born, which brings us back to the capital of Alicante.
It was clear that this zero point had to be at the lowest possible level. In other words, as close to the sea as geography would allow. It also seemed clear that the waters of the Mediterranean had to be chosen, as they are generally calm waters that do not present major changes and are not under the influence of any ocean.
To make sure that this suspicion was a certainty, measurements were carried out over many years. Specifically, at what is known as the Queen’s stairway, on the port’s promenade, which was finally selected as the exact point of reference for all the other heights in Spain.
The sculpture The Return of Icarus with his surfing wing guards this zero ground. | Shutterstock
Today this place can be visited. The Queen’s staircase has in front of it the sculpture The return of Icarus with his surf wing. There is also a significant step in the town hall, known as level 1, which is open to the public and can also be visited at any time. One more curiosity of the beautiful city of Alicante.
