Kolonna Eterna

Kolonna Eterna, also known as Eternal Column and Millennium Ceramic Monument, is a 21 st century monumental column in San Gwann, Malta. The column is an abstract art designed by Paul Vella Critien, a Maltese local artist that achieved his studies and experience in Italy and Australia.

The monument is a commemoration of the new (third) millennium as an initiative of the San Gwann Local Council. The monument was inaugurated in 2003 by the back then Prime Minister of Malta Dr Eddie Fenech Adami. The monument came to the national attention because it was largely described as having a phallic appearance. The monument is found in front of Santa Margerita Chapel.

History

The Kolonna Eterna was the first local monument by Paul Vella Critien to be installed in a public space and inaugurated in 2003. Behind the project was the San Gwann Local Council which pushed the idea of decorating public gardens with the inclusion of well established local artists' art. Paul Vella Critien has received art education in Italy and had already experience as an artist career when he lived in Australia. Since its erection the monument had already caught the attention of the public because of its phallic appearance however it is intended to represent an Egyptian obelisk pointing to the open skies as a symbol to eternity.