Staying in the World’s Hippest Hostel

Europe » Slovenia » Upper Carniola » Ljubljana
October 22nd 2007

Published: November 15th 2007

Edit Blog Post

Pedallingpete

Dragon Bridge

Four fierce dragons guard the bridge. In old Greek times Jason & his Argonauts were fleeing from a king, rowing upstream on a river. Near here they killed a massive swamp monster. Ironically, it is the dragon & not Jason who has become a symbol of the city in the way of fridge magnets etc.

20th -22nd October...............

Ljubljana with a population of 269,000 was the city that inspired me the most as to what Adelaide could be like that would draw tourists to experience an alternative relaxed lifestyle. What is needed however is inspired leadership on a Adelaide Local Government and State level. Ljubljana is in a lovely setting with a backdrop of alpine mountains, a castle that overlooks the old city that curves around each side of the river. But it is its artistic vibrancy and creative community that makes it more than just another pretty city.
I headed to the Celicia Hostel which ‘Lonely Planet’ lists as the world’s hippest hostel. The hostel in its past was a prison and has now been remodeled with each cell being designed by a different architect. They were given the brief of using the identical size space of a cell to come up with a design that sleeps 2 or 3 people. There is a tour of the different cells each day. I got to sleep in two different cells over the 3 nights I stayed there. Both had a mezzanine bed. One had original artwork which I enjoyed working out its meaning. Each of

Celica Hostel Prison Cell

Prison Artwork in my Cell. Counting the days, swimming free but damaged inside.

the cells has a normal door but then there is a barred cell door behind it that gives that authentic feeling and which enables the room to be viewed on the tour while still being locked. There is a prayer and meditation room with shelves in the walls that are dedicated to the various faiths- Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Judaism, Baih etc. The hostel is also used for meetings and the restaurant and bar is open to the public. Surrounding the Hostel is the former army garrison, a collection of buildings and open space given over to squatters following Slovenia’s independence. It is a-buzz in art exhibitions, meetings and parties. The graffiti and artwork on the buildings and walls is of a high quality but the whole place needs a bit of a cleanup. The city is a bit divided on whether the area, known as Metelkova, should be dismantled. It is very valuable land but also adds a certain Bohemian notoriety.

The City’s focal point is the castle on top of a wooded hill similar to Salzburg. The castle is nothing particularly amazing, but the view from the tower overlooking the town and snow capped mountain backdrop was worth

My Prison Cell, Celica Hostel

the hike. Ljubljana and Slovenia generally, is a place I would like to return to……. to explore more, but without a bike. The country is somewhat mountainous! The description of its people in L.P. appears accurate. “Slovenes are ethnically Slavic, typically multilingual, friendly without being pushy, and miraculously manage to combine Germanic work ethic with an easy going Mediterranean joie de vivre.” Their geographic positioning would have something to do with this…….. a tiny bit of Mediterranean coastline and alpine regions bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Slovenia broke away from Yugoslavia in June 1991, was admitted to the UN in May 1992 and joined the EU in May 2004. It is seen to be wealthy, relatively self sufficient and deeply democratic.

Additional photos below

Photos: 19, Displayed: 19