Pretty little square
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Plaça de Sant Felip Neri Barcelona

4.6
·491k reviews·Barcelona, Spain

A serene Gothic Quarter square with a baroque church and a poignant history, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Pretty little square

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri Barcelona

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Gothic Quarter square with a baroque church and a poignant history, offering a peaceful escape.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A tranquil oasis with a somber past, this hidden gem is a must-visit for its beauty and reflection."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Be Mindful of History

Remember the square's tragic past; approach with respect and quiet contemplation.

🚶‍♀️ Tucked Away Charm

It's a hidden gem! Look for it near the Cathedral, it's easy to miss but worth finding.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque Church Facade

Baroque Church Facade

Sant Felip Neri Church

Admire the intricate baroque architecture of the Sant Felip Neri church, a striking centerpiece of the square.

Tranquil Fountain

Tranquil Fountain

Center of the square

A serene fountain offers a peaceful spot to sit and soak in the atmosphere of this historic square.

Bullet-Scarred Walls

Bullet-Scarred Walls

Church facade and surrounding buildings

Visible scars from the Spanish Civil War bombing serve as a poignant reminder of the square's history.

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Discover Barcelona's Hidden Gem

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is a tranquil square in the Gothic Quarter, known for its baroque church and poignant history. It's a peaceful escape from the city bustle, perfect for quiet reflection.

Respectful Exploration

This square holds a somber past, having been bombed during the Spanish Civil War. Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect and mindfulness, appreciating its beauty while acknowledging its history.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Atmospheric and beautifully lit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Barcelona Itinerary: Your Guide to the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona 😍💯 Here are 9 things to do in Barcelona’s Gothic Neighbourhood 👇 1. Visit Catedral de Barcelona ⛪️ 2. Visit Plaça de Sant Felip Neri...
@bcnlocalexperiences
12.5K likes • 402.4K views

🤫 Be Mindful of History

Remember the square's tragic past; approach with respect and quiet contemplation. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Tucked Away Charm

It's a hidden gem! Look for it near the Cathedral, it's easy to miss but worth finding. Instagram

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri: a beautiful hidden square in Barcelona with a tragic history. 🌟 Don't miss out! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more hidden gems & travel tips! Check the link in Bio ...
barcelona.ontravelx
4 likes • 426 views
😍 Plaça Sant Felip Neri de Navidad. Para mi la plaza más idílica de Barcelona. Siéntate en el borde de su fuente y contémplala. 📍 Plaça Sant Felip Neri | Barri Gòtic ¿Con quién irás a descubrirla y ...
comomolabarcelona
6.9K likes • 90.9K views

📸 Capture the Serenity

Perfect for quiet photography. The light in the evening is magical. Instagram

🛋️ Sit by the Fountain

Take a moment to sit by the fountain and absorb the peaceful ambiance. Instagram

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is one of Barcelona’s most beautiful hidden gems ♥️ This tranquil square is tucked away in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and well worth a visit! 😍 #santfelipneri #barcelon...
barcelonalocalexperiences
0 likes • 33.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Be Mindful of History

Remember the square's tragic past; approach with respect and quiet contemplation. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Tucked Away Charm

It's a hidden gem! Look for it near the Cathedral, it's easy to miss but worth finding. Instagram

📸 Capture the Serenity

Perfect for quiet photography. The light in the evening is magical. Instagram

🛋️ Sit by the Fountain

Take a moment to sit by the fountain and absorb the peaceful ambiance. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Plaça de Sant Felip Neri for its serene beauty and unique, tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape within the bustling Gothic Quarter. Many are moved by its poignant history, finding the bullet-scarred walls a powerful reminder of the past. While its hidden nature is part of its charm, some find it can get crowded during peak times.

What People Like

Tranquil atmosphere
Historic beauty
Hidden gem feel

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is located in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. It's a short walk from the Barcelona Cathedral and can be easily reached by metro to Jaume I (L4) or Liceu (L3) stations, followed by a pleasant stroll through the charming narrow streets. TikTokInstagram

While it's a hidden gem, it's quite centrally located. It's tucked away but very close to major landmarks like the Cathedral, making it accessible once you're in the Gothic Quarter. Instagram

Yes, it's a walkable distance from Las Ramblas. It will take about 10-15 minutes of walking through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter streets. TikTok

The best way is to wander! Get lost in the Gothic Quarter's alleys, discover hidden squares, and enjoy the historic architecture. TikTok

The Barcelona Cathedral is very close by, as is Plaça del Rei, another beautiful historic square. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is a public square and is completely free to enter and explore at any time. Instagram

As an outdoor public space, the square is accessible 24/7. However, it's most enjoyable and safest to visit during daylight hours or early evening. Reddit

While the square is free, there might be a small fee or donation requested if you wish to enter the Sant Felip Neri church itself, depending on its accessibility for visitors. Instagram

Yes, the square is accessible at night and can be very atmospheric, especially with the lighting. Reddit

As a public space, general rules of public conduct apply. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the historical significance and quiet nature of the square. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The fountain in the center, the baroque facade of the church, and the bullet-scarred walls offer unique photographic opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow is also beautiful. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The romantic and historic ambiance makes it a wonderful backdrop for portraits, especially during golden hour. Instagram

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people. Evenings provide a magical, atmospheric glow as the square is lit up. InstagramReddit

Drone usage in Barcelona is generally restricted, especially in densely populated historic areas. It's best to avoid using drones here to comply with local regulations. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the whole square, while a prime lens can be useful for details on the church facade. A tripod can help with low-light evening shots. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

This square has a tragic history. During the Spanish Civil War in 1938, a bombing targeted an air-raid shelter for children located here, killing about 20 people and injuring hundreds. The bullet marks on the church facade are a stark reminder. Instagram

The bullet holes are remnants of the bombing that occurred on January 30, 1938, during the Spanish Civil War. They are a visible testament to the violence that struck the square. Instagram

The church, built in the 18th century, is a beautiful example of baroque architecture. Its facade and interior hold historical and artistic importance, though it's most remembered for the wartime tragedy. Instagram

It's considered a hidden gem and a must-visit for those seeking quieter, more historically significant spots in Barcelona, rather than just the main tourist hubs. TikTokInstagram

It translates to 'Square of Saint Philip Neri,' named after the saint. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri offers a moment of calm for families exploring the busy Gothic Quarter. While its history is somber, the peaceful atmosphere and the central fountain can be a nice spot for children to take a break. It's a good place to talk about history in a gentle way, focusing on peace and remembrance. Instagram

Keep in mind that the square is small and can get crowded. It's best visited during less busy times. The surrounding Gothic Quarter streets are also fun to explore with kids, with plenty of interesting architecture and hidden corners to discover. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and romantic moments. Its hidden nature makes it feel like a personal discovery, away from the main tourist throngs. Instagram

Sit by the fountain, admire the baroque architecture, and reflect on the square's history. It's a perfect place for a quiet conversation or simply to enjoy a moment of peace together. The evening light adds an extra layer of magic, making it a memorable stop. InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Plaça de Sant Felip Neri incredibly rewarding. The unique combination of baroque architecture, the serene fountain, and the historically significant bullet-scarred walls offers a wealth of visual storytelling opportunities. Instagram+1

Experiment with different angles to capture the interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The intimate scale of the square allows for detailed shots of the church facade as well as wider compositions that encompass the entire scene. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Poignant History of Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is more than just a picturesque square; it's a place with a deeply moving history. On January 30, 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, this seemingly peaceful spot was the target of a devastating bombing. The square was being used as an air-raid shelter for children attending a nearby school, and the attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 people, with hundreds more injured. Instagram

The visible scars of this tragedy are still present today. The facade of the baroque Sant Felip Neri church and the surrounding buildings bear the marks of the bombing, serving as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the impact of war. Many visitors find the square to be a place for quiet reflection, appreciating its beauty while acknowledging its painful past. Instagram+1

Despite its history, the square has been restored and remains a tranquil oasis in the bustling Gothic Quarter. The central fountain and the elegant church architecture create a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and contemplate. It's a powerful juxtaposition of beauty and remembrance, making it a unique and significant stop on any Barcelona itinerary. Instagram+1

Navigating the Gothic Quarter to Find Sant Felip Neri

Finding Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is part of the adventure. Nestled deep within the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, it's a true hidden gem that rewards those who seek it out. Its proximity to the Barcelona Cathedral makes it a convenient detour for those exploring the area. TikTokInstagram

From the Barcelona Cathedral, head towards the Carrer del Bisbe. You'll want to navigate through the narrow, winding alleys. Don't be afraid to get a little lost; that's often how the best discoveries are made in the Gothic Quarter. Look for signs or simply follow the flow of people who seem to be heading towards a quieter, more secluded spot. TikTok

Many visitors find it helpful to use their phone's GPS, but even then, the charm lies in the serendipitous discovery. The square is often described as being 'just around the corner' from major landmarks, emphasizing its tucked-away nature. The effort to find it is well worth the reward of stumbling upon this tranquil and historically significant space. Instagram+1

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