Placa de Sant Felip Neri (St. Philip Neri Square), Barcelona

Saint Philip Neri Square is a romantic quaint square in the Gothic quarter, one of the hidden secrets of Barcelona. Tragically, it is also the place where the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí was struck by a tram in 1926, resulting in injuries that claimed his life two days later in the hospital.

The square rests upon a burial ground that once served as the final resting place for Barcelona's executed heroes and villains, before all church graveyards were relocated to the south side of Montjuïc, where the municipal cemetery now stands. The Church of Saint Philip Neri, located within the square, is a frequent venue for classical concerts. The pockmarks on the church walls, remnants of a bomb explosion during the Civil War, silently bear witness to that tragic event.

In today's peaceful atmosphere, it is difficult to imagine that this square was once the site of summary executions during the late 1930s, following the fall of Barcelona to the nationalist forces led by Franco.

If you're fortunate, you may encounter musicians who appreciate this place for its unique acoustics. Additionally, a café is situated within the square, along with the stylish Hotel Neri, housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion.