The monastery was established in 1139. It was first inhabited by Benedictines from the nearby abbey in Sázava, then later by the community of Premonstratensians from Steinfeld in the Rhineland. Over its history it underwent a number of changes. After many fires, it was restored several times – most notably in 1713–1720 in the spirit of the Baroque Gothic by the architect Jan Santini Aichel. During the communist totalitarian period of the second half of the 20th century, the monastery became an internment camp for spiritual leaders. It lies in the midst of nature in the scenic Vysočina region and can be reached via a variety of hiking and cycling trails.
Part of the monastery complex is the Želiv Monastery Brewery, which produces six kinds of beer using traditional methods. You can also arrange accommodations in the monastery. Whoever wants to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life can spend some time in the calm environment of the monastery in contemplation and prayer with the Premonstratensian brothers.
.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&ext=.jpg)
