Mcely Castle, Aristocratic hunting lodge in Mcely, Czech Republic
Mcely Castle is a baroque hunting lodge with neoclassical elements situated in the village of Mcely, about an hour's drive from Prague. The building rises over two main floors and is surrounded by a park with old trees and landscaped gardens.
The castle was built in the 17th century and served the Thurn-Taxis family, known across Europe for organizing early postal networks, as a place for receptions and gatherings. It changed hands several times before being restored and converted into a hotel in the early 21st century.
The castle gardens supply herbs and vegetables that go directly into the kitchen, shaping dishes rooted in Bohemian cooking traditions. Walking through the garden before a meal gives a clear sense of how closely the food is tied to the land around the building.
The castle now operates as a hotel open to day visitors who want to visit the restaurant or wellness area. The setting is forested, so sturdy shoes are a good idea for anyone who plans to walk around the park and gardens.
Inside the castle there is a working alchemy laboratory where elixirs and essences are made from plants collected in the surrounding forest and gardens. This practice draws on a long tradition of herbal knowledge that was once common across this part of central Europe.
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