(source: SITA)
The kilometrovník, the brass compass located on the walkway beneath the arch of Michael’s gate, has been repaired and replaced after it was destroyed by vandals in December. The new kilometrovník cost €4,000 and was funded by Bratislava’s Staré Mesto borough and private sponsor O2, according to the SITA newswire.
The kilometrovník was originally designed by Viktor Hulík, and its recreation was made by sculptor Lubo Mikle. The original kilometrovník was embedded in the walkway in the year 2000, when the entire pedestrian zone was undergoing reconstruction. It shows the distances from its centre to 31 cities and sites worldwide, including the North and South Poles, Buenos Aires, Moscow, Toronto and the most distant location, Syndey, which is 16,000 kilometres away (Vienna, at 60 kilometres, is the closest).
Staré Mesto / Old Town Mayor Tatiana Rososvá said a street camera has been installed to record any future attempts to steal or damage the kilometrovník.
