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My Take: The stories that surround Plaça Sant Felip Neri are altogether enchanting, uplifting, and horrifying. It was reportedly the destination of Antoni Gaudí when he was struck by a train and killed. Even more tragically it was the sight of a Spanish Civil War bombing in January of 1938 that killed 42 people, the majority of whom were very young children. In a cinematic like gesture, emblematic of rebirth and growth, the pock-mark riddled sides of the church walls that encompass the plaça now house a school for young children. FInally, for Woody Allen or more likely Scarlett Johansen fans, Plaça Sant Felip Neri was the site of a scene in the movie Vicky Christina Barcelona. All of these things, along with the beautiful and tranquil atmosphere surrounding the plaza make it one of the most unique and interesting places in Barcelona. The Scene: Couples, tour groups, wanderers, history or movie buffs, locals, and tourists all enjoy Plaça Sant Felip Neri on a daily basis. Cocktails & Cuisine: There is a café that has outdoor seating but it is often difficult to get a table because of high demand and limited spacing. Prices: There is no entry fee. What to Wear: Wear whatever you’d like. It’s an outdoor area so dress weather appropriately. Insider Info/When to go: The plaza is small and during the day, especially in the high tourist seasons it can get pretty crowded. I find it’s best to go late at night as it is lit up enough to enjoy. It’s a great place to walk to with a few beers and a date.

Placa de Sant Felip Neri is possibly one of area Gothic’s best kept secrets – a romantic square with a tragic and chilling history. Both tourists and locals from all ages and backgrounds stumble through this historic square, aghast at the irony of children from the adjacent school skipping and playing in front of the pock marked walls of the old church where a fascist bomb killed over a hundred people, including twenty orphans who took shelter in the church from the civil war. At first this story was covered up by another story fabricated by the then ruling party: that the holes in the wall were as a result of anarchist priests being executed by the government troupes. What is more ironic is that this baroque church and square was built on top of a medieval cemetery, foreshadowing what is to come in the years to follow. Coincidentally, the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi was on his way to this square the day he got hit by a tram and died. It’s hard to explain, but whenever I’m there it feels as if I am enveloped by something magical, spiritual even. And however tragic and chilling the square’s history, it was here that Woody Allen thought it perfect to shoot one of the most iconic and romantic scenes of the movie, Vicky, Christina, Barcelona. Not that Placa de Sant Felip Neri was ever shy of romance – throughout the year you will find lots of young lovers (hell, even a couple of old lovers too) strolling through, arm in arm, either having dinner at one of the restaurants or just enjoying the serenity of this peaceful landmark. It’s free and is perfect for a picnic during the day, walking your dog or stargazing at night. And if you’re lucky you’ll find a lonesome gypsy plucking out a Beatles cover on his weather beaten guitar – setting the perfect scene for an intimate moment or even a first date kiss. If that’s not what you’re after, why not do what the locals do: something called botellón – a Spanish tradition of drinking in public places. Though not entirely legal, the cops are known to turn a blind eye if the party doesn’t get out of hand. So if you’re strapped for cash and hoping for a cheap night, get a six pack of beers, a bag of crisps and go and chill by the fountain in Placa de Sant Felip Neri.