Barcelona awards Lluís Permanyer its highest honour, the Gold Medal, in a posthumous tribute to the city’s beloved chronicler.
Mayor Jaume Collboni made the announcement during an emotional ceremony at the Saló de Cent, confirming broad political support for the distinction.
The packed hall witnessed one of the most moving events in recent years, with tributes from fellow journalists, writers, and family members.
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Consequently, the city is now settling a long-standing debt to the man who documented its evolution for over six decades.
Furthermore, Collboni pledged to fulfil one of Permanyer’s long-held wishes: a monument in the Eixample honouring urban planner Ildefons Cerdà. This commitment adds to the growing recognition for the writer, often called the city’s “civic inspector.”
Lluís Permanyer’s Legacy Celebrated in City Hall
The ceremony also served to present Permanyer’s final work, ‘Testimonis de tot el món sobre Barcelona.’ This definitive anthology, compiled over three decades, reflects his deep and sometimes pained love for the city. The event highlighted his unique ability to see and articulate what others overlooked.
Meanwhile, a proposal from his former colleague, Tomàs Alcoverro, for a street or square to bear Permanyer’s name received a standing ovation. His sons, Marc and Aleix, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming affection shown. The tribute underscored his role as an irreplaceable ‘senyor de l’Eixample.’
According to recent statements from the mayor’s office, this recognition aligns with a broader focus on celebrating Barcelona’s cultural pillars. The city continues to honour those who shape its identity.
Permanyer’s extensive bibliography, including more than 80 books, remains a vital record of Barcelona’s bimillennial history. As writer Jordi Amat noted, his work explains not just a city, but our entire civilisation. His final articles can still be read in the pages of ‘Vivir.’
This posthumous award, reported by La Vanguardia, ensures Lluís Permanyer’s legacy as Barcelona’s definitive chronicler is permanently enshrined. The city finally awards its highest distinction to the man who dedicated his life to its story.
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