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.

Count Oktavián Ladislav of Valdštejn had this baroque hunting lodge built in 1698 on Vinice hill, on the site of a former Celtic settlement. Rebuilt in 1840, it gained two three-storey wings in 1863; the right wing was demolished in 1933 for structural faults. Held by the Thurn-Taxis princes until 1945, it was expropriated, long neglected and bought in 2001 by James A. Cusumano, who opened the Château Mcely hotel in 2006.

The castle's restaurant, Piano Nobile, has long ranked among the best in the Czech Republic and serves dishes in its garden patio. The cellar holds the Klub Alchymista, a club named for the 17th-century cellar it occupies. Guests can also borrow from the library in the castle tower.

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.

The castle's cellar houses the Klub Alchymista, a space dating from the 17th century. In the park stands a memorial oak of the species Quercus macranthera, a detail most visitors walk past without noticing.