Hidden in the Gothic quarter, this picturesque square has many stories to tell. Although the Gothic quarter tends to be packed with tourists, this square, with its octagonal-shaped fountain and an old tree in its center, is a surprisingly calm and beautiful place.
However, the square has a gloomy side too, having been built on the grounds of an old cemetery. But probably the saddest memories the square recalls can be found on the barroque church of Sant Felip Neri. In fact, as soon as you step on Plaça Sant Felip Neri you’ll notice the signs on the church’s walls: these are the signs left by a bomb fallen on January 30th 1938 during the Spanish civil war, which killed more than 20 children looking for shelter in the underground chambers of the church.
The square was featured on the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona by Woody Allen. In the scene shot in the square, in Hotel Neri H&R’s terrace to be precise, we see Cristina, Juan Antonio, Vicky and her husband Doug having lunch together. If you haven’t seen the film yet I suggest you do, as I believe it’s a beautiful tribute to the city by this amazing director.
