The monument to Samuel Mikovíni, an eminent scientist and engineer of Slovak origin, was placed on the promenade beside the Danube as early as 1970. Several decades later, a further object was added to the embankment that commemorated Mikovíni's pioneering work in the field of geography and cartography, and which directly related to his work in Bratislava. For Matej Bel's extensive work Notitia Hungariae Novae historico-geographica, Mikovíni created illustrated maps of the then Hungarian counties. He based his work on scientific knowledge and the most accurate measurements available, which enabled him to produce maps of exceptional quality and international renown. In 1723, Mikovíni became the committee engineer of Bratislava County. Using the prime meridian passing through the northeast tower of Bratislava Castle for his geodetic measurements, he created a map of Bratislava County that was published in 1735. 

In 1997, the surveyors Milan Hájek, Ján Melicher, and Július Bartaloš re-measured and marked out Mikovíni's Bratislava meridian. After consulting with the Municipal Monument Preservation Institute, a location on the riverbank approximately 300 m from SNP Bridge was chosen for the installation of a commemorative plaque on a pedestal, and symbolic marking of the meridian with embedded metal strips. The work was created based on a design by the architects Andrej Baník and Jozef Liščák. It was implemented and ceremonially unveiled in 2002 to mark the 240th anniversary of technical education in Slovakia and the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Slovak University of Technology. 

The minimalist design of the meridian monument is a fine example of cooperation between various professions at the intersection of science, technology, and art, and is thus also a reminder of the versatility of Samuel Mikovíni. It is a regret that his monument is not located closer to the Bratislava meridian, but is approximately half a kilometre away on an embankment where in recent years it has been overshadowed by a large footbridge that connects the embankment with the multifunctional Zuckermandel complex.   

ZD

Research status as of 2023.