Želetava is a market town in Třebíč District in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 1,500 inhabitants.

Administrative parts

The villages of Bítovánky, Horky and Šašovice are administrative parts of Želetava.

Geography

Želetava is located about 17 km southwest of Třebíč and 29 km south of Jihlava. It lies in the Křižanov Highlands. The highest point is at 680 m above sea level. The Želetavka River originates here and flows through the municipal territory. There are several fishponds supplied by the Želetavka.

History

The first written mention of Želetava is from 1303. In 1370, it was promoted to a market town.

Demographics

Economy

Želetava is known for a cheese factory, which has been operating since 1902. Since 2000, the factory has been owned by Bel Group.

Transport

The I/38 road (the section from Jihlava to Znojmo, part of the European route E65) passes through the market town.

Sights

The main landmark of Želetava is the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel with a tall prismatic tower. It has a Gothic core with Baroque modifications. In front of the church are two valuable statues of Saints John the Baptist and John of Nepomuk. Other sights include the Chapel of Saint Catherine in Želetava and the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua in Horky.