Billet house

Nestled in the heart of the old town of Celje, Slovenia, the Billet House, or Kvartirna hiša as it is locally known, is a historical gem that offers a window into the rich tapestry of the region's past. This unassuming yet significant building on Gosposka Street 3 has witnessed centuries of history, from its Roman beginnings to its Renaissance transformations, and continues to be a vibrant part of Celje's cultural landscape.

A Journey Through Time

Billet House stands on grounds that were once part of the bustling Roman road, the decumanus maximus, which served as a principal thoroughfare in ancient Celeia (the Roman name for Celje). The origins of the building date back to the 1st century, but the oldest surviving architectural elements are from the medieval period, specifically the 14th century, when the vaulted cellars were constructed.

The current structure of Billet House is the result of merging and renovating two older houses in the latter half of the 15th century. The southern part of the house retains older construction elements, such as vaulted ceilings and remnants of previous renovations. The northern part, rebuilt in the early 16th century, showcases beautifully preserved Renaissance details, including frescoes, wooden ceilings, and a grand portal with the Celje city coat of arms and the year 1573 inscribed on it.

The Renaissance Splendor

The Renaissance period left a significant mark on Billet House. The building's facade once featured vibrant frescoes, and the firbec okno or curiosity window allowed residents to discreetly observe street activities. A niche in the street-facing facade houses a pieta, adding a touch of religious art to the building's exterior. Inside, the ground and first floors boast wooden ceilings, and fragments of frescoes can still be seen on the first floor.

One of the most striking features is the grand portal made of massive sandstone blocks, which leads from the street into a courtyard. This portal, an architectural masterpiece, was unfortunately damaged in the mid-1980s when the entrance was widened to accommodate vehicles, resulting in the loss of some of its original Renaissance charm.

A Military Legacy

Billet House's name and original purpose are rooted in its military history. During the late Middle Ages, the building served as a residence for mercenary soldiers who were stationed in Celje during peacetime. These soldiers, often accompanied by their families, found temporary quarters here, giving rise to the term kvartir (quarters), from which the house derives its name.

After Empress Maria Theresa's military reforms in the 18th century, which replaced mercenary forces with a regular army, the building's original purpose became obsolete. Large barracks, such as the one established in the former Celje Castle, took over the role of housing soldiers. Consequently, Billet House was sold in 1785 and went through various ownerships, including a bakery run by the Zima family and later by several other prominent families.

Modern Transformations

The most recent comprehensive renovation of Billet House took place in the mid-1980s. During this restoration, original Renaissance wooden ceilings and fragments of frescoes were uncovered, revealing the building's historical richness. The atrium courtyard was also revitalized, and a new residential building was constructed on the site of the former outbuildings.

Today, Billet House hosts a variety of cultural and social activities. The ground floor is home to the city's intergenerational office, while the first floor houses the Tourist and Cultural Society of Celje, which organizes numerous cultural events, workshops, and concerts. The second floor features the Erotic Gallery Račka and a residential apartment for visiting artists, managed by JZ Celeia.

A Brush with Fame

Billet House also has a fascinating connection to one of the most famous figures in history: Alfred Nobel. In the late 19th century, the building was home to the Hess family, whose daughter, Sofia Hess, had a long and tumultuous relationship with the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Their relationship, which spanned nearly two decades, was marked by secrecy and drama, with Sofia often hidden away in Nobel's luxurious residences across Europe.

In 2013, a bust of Alfred Nobel was installed in a niche by the portal of Billet House, commemorating his indirect link to Celje through Sofia Hess. This event was part of the 140th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Cinkarna Celje, a chemical factory that Nobel supported in its early days.

Conclusion

Billet House is not just a building; it is a testament to the rich and varied history of Celje. From its Roman roots to its Renaissance grandeur, and from its military past to its modern cultural significance, this historic house continues to be a vibrant part of the city's heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, Billet House offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of Celje, making it a must-visit destination in this charming Slovenian city.