Želiv – Monastery, Art and Activities

A stay in Želiv can be planned around a clear cultural focus: the monastery is designated a National Cultural Monument. The monastery church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary was extensively rebuilt between 1714 and 1720 by Jan Blažej Santini Aichel. The period and the architect offer specific starting points for exploring the church. If you are looking for a hotel in Želiv, first consider whether architecture and monastery history will be the focus of your stay, or whether you would like to combine culture with cycling and paddling activities.

Monastery History, Art and Sightseeing

An exhibition in Trčkův hrad is devoted to the history of the psychiatric hospital and care facility. It also includes a visit to a former “Samotka” (isolation room). Ten Czech Madonnas are depicted in the coffered hall of Trčkův hrad, including the Želiv Madonna with Child. The coffered hall thus offers a different focus from the historical exhibition: it centers on depictions of the Madonna, including a motif directly connected to Želiv.

Visitors can explore nine rooms in the reconstructed Old Prelature, with paintings, furniture, books and liturgical objects. The ground floor of the Old Prelature also houses an exhibition of archaeological discoveries from the monastery grounds and their immediate surroundings. Furnished interiors and archaeological finds thus offer two distinct ways of exploring the monastery’s history.

The Želiv Monastery Visitor Centre provides information about the entire monastery resort and its surroundings. Visitors can complement their stay with a guided tour of the monastery, which is fully accessible. If accessibility is important to your plans, confirm the arrangements again before your trip.

Cycling Routes and Nearby Destinations

The “Poutní cyklotrasa z Prahy na Vysočinu” (Pilgrimage Cycling Route from Prague to the Vysočina) passes through Želiv Monastery and continues to Křemešník. The “Okolí vodních nádrží Želiv a Sedlice” (Around the Želiv and Sedlice Reservoirs) cycling route leads to Želiv and the Sedlice Dam. The destinations mentioned distinguish the two routes: continuing to Křemešník is a key reference point for the pilgrimage route, while the second tour connects Želiv with the Sedlice Dam. Use these destinations to decide which of the two routes better suits your travel plans.

Nearby Paní skála offers views of the Vřesník Reservoir and the municipality of Želiv. Paní skála is a rock-climbing wall and is best known among climbers. The same named place therefore combines a viewpoint with a connection to climbing, without implying anything about the difficulty of the climb. Žižkův dub, a commemorative oak, also stands by Panský rybník.

Paddling on the Trnávka Slalom Course

The artificial Trnávka slalom course is near the municipality of Želiv and is intended for experienced paddlers. It opens for public training sessions twice a year for professionals and amateurs. If you would like to include the course in your travel plans, check the dates before your trip. Its suitability for experienced paddlers and the special training dates give it a different focus from the monastery visit and the cycling routes described above.

Discover more destinations: Útěchovice Pod Stražištěm, Komorovice, Kámen U Pacova, Lidmaň, Popelistna, Knizata, Píšť, Trsov

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.