The most charming corners of Barcelona city are its small squares, very often hidden away, like the Placeta of Sant Felip Neri and alleys that still conserve the charm of ancient times, such as Carrer del Call, Carrer de Paradís and others no less representative of Roman and medieval Barcelona, or streets like Montcada, which was one of the city's noble arteries during the 14th century. To explore these places, we have to enter into the very heart of the old city.
 
The street of Sant Felip Neri and the square of the same name form a corner with a very particular atmosphere. The first time you walk down this Roman alleyway, it's a surprise to find that it ends in this small, quiet square. The 'square', originally part of the cemetery called "de Montjuïc del Bisbe" ("the Bishop's Jewish Hill"), has a fountain in the middle which is the delight of everyone who contemplates the whole formed by the street, the square and the church bearing the name of the saint, and two Renaissance buildings: the Coppersmiths' Guildhouse and the Shoemakers' Guildhouse. It's baroque church was built in 1752 and has an unfortunate history. During the Spanish Civil War a bomb fell on it and killed the 20 children seeking shelter inside. You can still see evidence of the explosion on the church's facade. The coppersmiths' building was situated originally at Carrer de la Bòria but when part of this street was demolished to make room for the construction of Via Laietana, the guildhouse's façade was removed to Plaça (square) Lesseps. It was later re-transferred to its present site. On the right-hand side of the square stands another Renaissance building: the Shoemakers' Guildhouse, which now contains the Antique Shoe Museum. The lion of St Mark, patron of the guild, may be seen on its facade.