Hostel Celica

Overall Rating

104 out of 114 HostelBookers customers said that they would recommend 'Hostel Celica'

The former prison on Metelkova street was renovated to become Hostel CELICA (CELICA = cell).Every cell has its own author or a group of authors that projected its creative transformation from a prison cell to a UNIQUE hostel CELL.

Hostel Celica was named The hippest hostel #1 by Lonely Planet and One of the 25 Ultimate places to stay by Rough Guides.

The former prison on Metelkova street was renovated to become Hostel CELICA (CELICA = cell). Every cell has its own author or a group of authors that projected its creative transformation from a prison cell to a UNIQUE hostel CELL. The 20 cells have maintained the original cell bars on the door and window. It's up to you: spend 20 nights in 20 different cells and DISCOVER your favorite!

HISTORY
Hostel Celica is situated in a building that used to be a military prison, dating back to 1883, the age of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Later on, as Yugoslavia was formed, the prison came into the hands of Yugoslav Federal Army, where it remained until 1991 when Slovenia claimed its independence. After Slovenian troops defeated the Yugoslav federal army in the 10-day independence war, the military barracks were left empty.

The initiative Mreža za Metelkovo (Metelkova Network) aimed to convert the barracks into a multicultural centre and applied to formally gain the emptied space. However, the procedure of was extremely slow and it took over two years...

In 1993 the Metelkova Network were fed up with waiting and demanded that the City authorities enable them to move in that same year. The City’s answer to the requests of the Metelkova Network came when the demolishing of the former military barracks began. To prevent the demolishing, a group of approximately 200 Metelkova Network supporters occupied the buildings and virtually protected them with their bodies. Various independent artists later squatted the buildings. Metelkova Network thereby became even firmer, so the city authorities turned off the water and the electricity to make them leave. Gradually many people did leave due to the unbearable conditions, but the most persistent stayed…

A group of them, including Janko Rožič, architect, were joined in the Sestava Society with the idea to turn the former prison that used to confine people into an open and welcoming place, a meeting point for international travelers. The project was later financially supported by the City of Ljubljana and the Student Organization of the University of Ljubljana. The creative planning, renovation and transformation took 10 years and during that time, more than 80 artists from all over the world participated in the project. The first travelers spent the night in Hostel Celica in 2003.

ART & CULTURE
Hostel Celica has a lively cultural life. Every Tuesday night a concert followed by a jam session welcomes international musicians.
The hostel's art gallery Srecisce on the ground floor regularly hosts international art exhibitions.
Additionally, the cultural program includes workshops, poetry readings, debates and presentations on various themes from literature, philosophy, music to nature, aesthetics and history etc.

Every day at 2 pm a free guided tour of the hostel takes place.

BAR & RESTAURANT
There are three theme areas in our bar and restaurant: on the east side of the building, Oriental Café, on the west Cyber café, in the center, Slovenian "Gostilna". Each area is, naturally, equipped in the style of its name.
We serve a rich buffet breakfast, local and imported drinks, cocktails, hookahs, fresh prepared lunches and snacks as well as a-la-carte and fast food Celica style.

Accommodation Information

Hostel CELICA offers accommodation in:

Artistically designed cells
Multi-bedded rooms
Room for the handicapped
Apartment
Dormitory

There are 20 cells on the first floor with shared bathroom on a corridor. Each of them was a former prison cell that are now converted and artistically renovated into a unique, priceless work of art. Check the hostelcelica.com website and choose your own cell.

Large dormitory accommodates up to 12 people and has 2 en-suite bathrooms (male and female).

Small dormitories:

5 quads with en-suite bathroom
1 quint room with en-suite bathroom
APARTMENT

The apartment accommodates up to 7 guests. It is divided into a sleeping area with a double and a single bed and lounge area with 2 double beds. The apartment has its own bathroom.

ROOM FOR THE HANDICAPPED

Situated on the ground floor, which is wheelchair friendly, the room accommodates up to 2 physically challenged and 1 accompanying person. It has a specially adjusted bathroom.

Location Information

Hostel Celica has a great, very central location.
It's situated just 5 minutes walking distance away from Central bus and train station and only 10 minutes walking distance to the Ljubljana's main square (Presernov trg).
Right next to the Hostel Celica is Metelkova city party zone.