
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri Barcelona
A serene Gothic Quarter square with a baroque church and a poignant history, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and fewer crowds

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri Barcelona
Best Time
Peaceful and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Gothic Quarter square with a baroque church and a poignant history, offering a peaceful escape.
"A tranquil oasis with a somber past, this hidden gem is a must-visit for its beauty and reflection."

🤫 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Church facade and surrounding buildings
Visible scars from the Spanish Civil War bombing serve as a poignant reminder of the square's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Barcelona's Hidden Gem
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 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.
📸 Capture the Serenity
Perfect for quiet photography. The light in the evening is magical.
🛋️ Sit by the Fountain
Take a moment to sit by the fountain and absorb the peaceful ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 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.
📸 Capture the Serenity
Perfect for quiet photography. The light in the evening is magical.
🛋️ Sit by the Fountain
Take a moment to sit by the fountain and absorb the peaceful ambiance.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from Las Ramblas. It will take about 10-15 minutes of walking through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter streets.
The best way is to wander! Get lost in the Gothic Quarter's alleys, discover hidden squares, and enjoy the historic architecture.
The Barcelona Cathedral is very close by, as is Plaça del Rei, another beautiful historic square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is a public square and is completely free to enter and explore at any time.
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.
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.
Yes, the square is accessible at night and can be very atmospheric, especially with the lighting.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely! The romantic and historic ambiance makes it a wonderful backdrop for portraits, especially during golden hour.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people. Evenings provide a magical, atmospheric glow as the square is lit up.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
It translates to 'Square of Saint Philip Neri,' named after the saint.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant History of Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
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.
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.
Navigating the Gothic Quarter to Find Sant Felip Neri
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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit