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Slovenia is a small but picturesque former Yugoslav country in Europe where Central Europe, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe come together. Slovenia is a stunning country in the European Alps and a much cheaper alternative to visiting notoriously expensive Switzerland.
Slovenia is adorably green and home to the world-famous Lake Bled - one of the most picture-perfect alpine lakes in the world. But that's not all this small country has, Hostel Celica is one of the most bizarre and moving hostels in the world and is an attraction by itself. Hostel Celica is without a doubt one of the best hostels in Slovenia - and arguably all of Europe.
From Political Prison To Hostel And Living Museum
Before World War One, Slovenia was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, after the war it became a part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes eventually morphed into Yugoslavia. It was a long road to Slovene independence (which they achieved in 1991). Before that what is today Hostel Celica was a political prison where even a former Slovenia president was held for a while.
- Independence: Achieved In 1991
Today Hostel Celica is managed by the public institute Ljubljana Castle and is both a hostel and a museum. The idea is to take the former prison - that presents a dark time in Slovenia's history and transform it into something different to represent the new path the country is forging.
The prison has been thoroughly renovated, and its former cells are private rooms (called cells) and dorms for travelers. In the basement, one will find an unlit interrogation room with no electricity. See the haunts where prisoners were once interrogated.
The building has also suffered damage during past conflicts. As the building is also a museum, one can see old pictures of just how much the building has been damaged and transformed. Holes blown into the building have been transformed into new windows.
Accommodation At Hostel Celica
It is quite a one-of-a-kind experience to see how an old military prison has been artistically transformed into a funky hostel. Each of the cells has been designed by different artists and are unlike any rooms one is likely to have seen elsewhere. It is a case of seeing is believing.
The hostel has some 20 former prison cells - complete with prison bars on the windows and doors. The dorm rooms are more traditional hostel rooms (so spend a little more and have a private cell to oneself while at Hostel Celica.
- Private Cell: From $75 Per Night (For Two)
- Dorm: From $30 Per Night
All the private rooms have shared bathrooms. As the rooms are former prison cells, there isn't room for private bathrooms.
- Cells: 20 Former Prison Cells (Now Hostel Rooms)
- Accommodation: Private Rooms (Called Cells) And Dorms
- Bathrooms: All Shared Bathrooms
If one can't afford a cell, they have a selection of 4-, 5-, 7- and 12-bedded dorms featuring unique artistic elements. But still, ask for a tour to see some private rooms.
It is a social hostel with a lively atmosphere and is located in the nightlife part of the city.
Location And Staying At Hostel Celica
Hostel Celica is only a short walk (around 10 minutes) from the old Ljubljana city center and around a 5-minute walk from the main train and bus station. The neighborhood is also the funkiest the city has to offer with the Metelkova City area with cult bars, pubs, galleries, museums, theater, etc.
- Location: In The Funky Neighborhood With Cult bars
Hostel Celica has an in-house bar and a former prison courtyard. Enjoy one's wine or beer in the prison courtyard surrounded by high prison walls that once confined the politically undesirable.
- Breakfast: Included
- Bar: Has An In-House Bar
- Concerts: Held On Tuesdays With Free Entry
Ljubljana is only a small capital city and at Hostel Celica, one is only a short walk from everywhere in the city. Don't forget to explore Ljubljana Castle while there as well.
Next time in Slovenia, stay at Hostel Celica even if one normally doesn't stay in hostels. After a couple of years of lockdowns, Hostel Celica puts the fun into lockups.