Plaça Sant Felip Neri – Baroque Church, Fountain & Civil War History

About Plaça Sant Felip Neri – A Silent Square with a Scarred Past

Hidden within the winding alleys of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Plaça Sant Felip Neri is one of the city’s most evocative public spaces. Located in the historic El Call — the old Jewish Quarter — this silent monumental square in Barcelona invites reflection with its baroque architecture, central fountain, and haunting history.

The square takes its name from the Oratori de Sant Felip Neri de Barcelona, a baroque church built in 1750 as part of the convent dels felipons. Its single cross-vaulted nave and neoclassical side chapels feature paintings by Joan Llimona, a Catalan modernista artist. The church’s façade still bears visible bomb scars from the Spanish Civil War, a tragic reminder of the 1938 aerial bombing that killed 42 civilians — many of them children sheltering beneath the church.

On one side of the square, you’ll find the former shoesmiths’ and coppersmiths’ guild houses of Barcelona, while the adjacent school often fills the space with the sounds of children playing — a poignant contrast to its somber past.

Plaça de la Garriga i Bachs - Monument als Herois del 1809

Just steps from the side entrance of Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça de la Garriga i Bachs hosts the Monument als Herois del 1809. This realist sculpture by Josep Llimona commemorates five martyrs executed for resisting the French occupation of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Above the bronze figures, an alabaster relief of angels by Vicenç Navarro was added in 1941. Surrounding ceramic benches feature tiling based on Bonaventura Planella’s engraving of Napoleonic troops entering the city. Together, these elements form a powerful tribute to Barcelona’s enduring spirit.

The bomb-scarred church façade of Sant Felip Neri stands as a powerful reminder of the Civil War aerial bombing victims of 1938.

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Visiting Plaça Sant Felip Neri – A Quiet Square with a Powerful Story

Plaça Sant Felip Neri is a public square open 24/7, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of the Gothic Quarter. Whether you're on a Barcelona history walk or simply exploring hidden gems in the Gothic Quarter, this secluded plaza is a must-see for its emotional resonance and architectural charm.

At the heart of the square is the Font de Sant Felip Neri, a modest yet elegant fountain that adds to the square’s contemplative atmosphere. The surrounding buildings include the Oratori de Sant Felip Neri, the shoesmiths’ and coppersmiths’ guild houses, and a local school, which brings occasional bursts of laughter and life to this otherwise solemn space.

Visitors are often drawn to the bomb-scarred church façade, where shrapnel marks from the 1938 aerial bombing remain visible — a haunting reminder of the Spanish Civil War’s impact on Barcelona. This square is one of the few places in the city where the scars of war are left intentionally untouched, making it a poignant stop for those interested in Civil War memorials and Barcelona’s tragic history.

The square is especially moving in the early morning or late evening, when the crowds thin and the silence allows you to fully absorb the weight of its past. It’s also a popular spot for romantic photos and quiet reflection, often featured in Barcelona hidden squares and secluded plaza guides.

While the church itself has limited opening hours for prayer and services, the square is always accessible. If you're exploring nearby, consider pairing your visit with a stop at Barcelona Cathedral or continuing your journey through El Call, the city’s historic Jewish Quarter.

For those tracing the city’s wartime past, this square is part of a broader network of Barcelona Civil War history sites, including La Modelo Prison, Montjuïc Castle, Gràcia Air Raid Shelter, and Refugi 307.

Accessibility & What to Bring

Plaça Sant Felip Neri is a street-level public square with no steps, making it fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility or those using pushchairs. The cobbled surface is typical of the Gothic Quarter, so comfortable footwear is recommended for navigating the surrounding narrow streets.

There is a bicycle anchorage nearby in Plaça de la Seu (coordinates: 41.384662, 2.176070), though it’s advisable not to leave bikes unattended for long periods due to limited security in the area.

As this is an outdoor space, there are no bag restrictions, but if you plan to visit nearby churches or museums, a small 10L daypack is ideal for carrying essentials like water, a camera, and a guidebook. If you're using an audio guide app or following a Barcelona history walk, don’t forget to bring headphones for a more immersive experience.

The square is shaded by trees and surrounding buildings, offering a cool respite during warmer months — but consider bringing sunscreen or a hat if visiting midday. Early mornings and evenings are especially atmospheric and quieter, perfect for photography or quiet reflection.

Plaça Sant Felip Neri Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE

Getting to Plaça Sant Felip Neri

Address: Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Barcelona, 08002

Plaça Sant Felip Neri is tucked away in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, just a short walk from several key metro stations. It’s approximately equidistant from Plaza Catalunya and Liceu on the Green Line (L3), and Jaume I on the Yellow Line (L4). From any of these stops, follow signs toward Barcelona Cathedral and continue along Carrer de Montjuïc del Bisbe, a narrow Gothic street that leads directly into the square.

For ease of travel, consider using a T-Casual card for single journeys or the Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited access to metro, bus, and tram networks.

Due to its secluded nature, Plaça Sant Felip Neri is best explored on foot as part of a Barcelona history walk or Gothic Quarter walking route. Its quiet charm and historical significance make it a rewarding detour from the city’s main tourist paths.