It is the oldest preserved and inscribed road sign in Europe, outside the former Roman Empire. It was erected in the 12th century, most probably by Piotr Włostowic, a prominent magnate and voivode of, among others, Bolesław Krzywousty, as a signpost halfway between Kalisz and Kruszwica. This is indicated by a Latin inscription (a poetic work) dated back to 1151. The inscription translated by Prof. Marian Plezi (taking into account remarks by Z. Kozłowska-Budkowa) can be interpreted in the following fashion:
 

In the year 1151 since the Incarnation of our Lord 
This sign [regarding] the way and justice
states that here is the midpoint [of the road] to Kalisz from Kruszwica.
Peter, the palace chamberlain, had it placed here,
and in this way he prudently cut the road in half.
So that every traveller would deign to remember him, casting a prayer to the gracious God.