The Želiv Premonstratensians will have the building of the old prelate repaired; there will be exhibitions there

Želiv – Construction workers will soon begin repairing the building of the old prelature at the Premonstratensian Monastery in Želiv. The overall restoration of the baroque structure is expected to be completed by November next year. At the same time, the monastery will install new restrooms for visitors. In total, it is a contract worth 24.8 million crowns excluding tax, which is funded by EU grants. This information comes from the public procurement bulletin and data provided to ČTK by the property manager of the canonry, Jiřina Zajíčková.

The old prelature was last used for apartments. In recent years, it has been empty due to its poor condition, and the ceilings are also damaged. The roof, facades, and interior of the building will be repaired. "It is basically a complete reconstruction of the building. We are starting in mid-February," said Zajíčková. After the repairs are completed, there will be exhibition spaces featuring items that are currently in the monastery's depository.

Only part of the old prelature, where the social facilities are located, is being used. This area no longer meets requirements and will be removed during the renovations. New restrooms for visitors will be constructed by the end of this November near the convent, the property manager stated.

According to the bulletin, the contract was awarded to the company Start Zelený from Brtnice, and the Premonstratensian canonry in Želiv signed the agreement with them this week.

The Premonstratensians have been restoring the extensive complex of the Želiv Monastery with the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary for many years, and regular tours take place there. Starting this spring, new exhibitions in the so-called Trček Castle should be accessible. The monastery grounds also include a small brewery, a restaurant, and a hotel in the baroque abbot's building.

The Premonstratensians arrived in Želiv 873 years ago. The Trček family from Lípa built a residence there when they seized the monastic estates in the second half of the 15th century; the Premonstratensians later returned to the Želiv monastery. In 1950, the communists abolished the monastery and established an internment camp for priests and religious. Later, it was a psychiatric hospital. The Premonstratensians regained control of the complex in 1991. Since 2010, the monastery has been a national cultural monument.