Spend a night in a jail cell！This eerie old prison has been “transformed” into a super-popular hostel

By Rita

Do you often daydream about doing something wild and hard to achieve, like spending a night in a prison? Don’t be shy — it’s not such a crazy idea, and can actually be made possible with some planning. According to the UK news agency Caters Newsreports, Hostel Celica, a hostel converted from an old prison in Slovenia in Eastern Europe, lets guests experience what it’s like to sleep in a jail cell.

▲The prison hotel in Slovenia (Photo／www.hostelcelica.com)

Since 1883, this prison in Ljubljana, Slovenia, served under the Austro-Hungarian Empire until it was decommissioned following Slovenia’s independence in 1991. In 2003, a local student organization transformed it into a youth hostel. It has successfully shed its dark past, and its bright, quirky style now attracts young backpackers from around the world every year.

▲Old photo of the prison (Photo／catersnews.com)

▲The eerie old prison gets a makeover (Photo／www.hostelcelica.com)

The 20 “cells” all feature unique designs and retain their original doors and windows. Eight of the rooms are wheelchair accessible, and dorm prices are around NT$1,200 per night. The space also includes a gallery, a bar, and a restaurant that hosts regular performances. Guests can also enjoy free guided tours.

▲The bright, quirky style attracts young backpackers from around the world every year (Photo／www.hostelcelica.com)

The jailhouse hostel was evenonce voted “the world’s coolest hotel” by travel website Lonely Planet. “We’re proud of the hostel’s history and its uniqueness, and we’re happy that guests have such a great time in this historic building,” said Sanja Petrovic, a spokesperson for the hostel.