Originally a Benedictine monastery built in the first half of the 12th century.
The Roman church was sacred to St Peter, at the same time also St Mary´s Convent Church was built. However in 1149 the Benedictines were expelled and the Premonstratensians were called instead.
The monastery was burned down several times and it was rebuilt. Further damage was done during the Hussite wars.
In the middle of 17th century Želiv became independent of the Strahov monastery and further conversions followed.
The most important buildings were built at the beginning of the 18th century, when, among others, also Jan Blažej Santini took part in the work.
In 1907 Želiv was destroyed by another fire and the neo-baroque conversion was led by the builder B. Dvořák.