Hostel Celica, essential info
The name
Celica means "cell" in Slovene.
Former prison
Hostel Celica is situated in a building that dates back to 1883 and used to be a military prison until 1991. A group of enthusiastic architects and artists with the help of City of Ljubljana and Student organization of the University of Ljubljana then turned the grim and dark building into an open, colorful, welcoming youth hostel. Find out more about our history here.
The cells
The unique features of hostel Celica are the 20 artistically renovated and newly invented former prison cells – today hostel cells. Each one is completely different, having its own story, concept and author or group of authors. They all still have one thing in common: the original cell bars on the door and window. Check out our photo gallery!
The rooms
For the more traditional travelers, we have 8 comfortable, colorful rooms with artistic features. One of the rooms is wheelchair friendly (The hostel’s ground floor, apart from the oriental café, is wheelchair friendly); all of them have bathrooms ensuite. Individual travelers also have a larger 12 bed dormitory available. Check out the rooms here.
Special features
Our Point of peace, the room for prayer, meditation and contemplation and other spiritual activities is situated on the 1st floor. It has 6 niches of major global religions and one empty niche for all other religions and has been blessed by the religion's highest representatives in Slovenia.
Still intact and preserved in the basement of the building are the two former solitary confinement cells. Among other interesting facts, the entrance staircase has a camera obscura and was decorated in traditional Slovene fresco technique.
Entertainment and 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 and 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.
Facilities and services
Hostel Celica provides all the necessary services and facilities for travelers: from free luggage and valuables safekeeping to internet point with free WiFi, guest's kitchen, self service laundry, rent-a-car, rent-a-bike and a tours and trips booking center.
What we're very proud of
Hostel Celica is appreciated not only by travelers, but also established travel guides:
- in 2005 Lonely Planet's Blue List named Celica #1 among World's hippest hostels
- in 2007 Rough Guides' 25th anniversary issue put Hostel Celica among 25 Ultimate Experiences – Places to stay.
For more information, photos etc. please 
