Between central Ostashkov and Klichen Island is Zhitnoe Island which is now a peninsular as it has been connected to the mainland via a dam.  Situated among the trees of the island is the Zhitenny Convent.  It was founded in 1716 as a monastery and the first stone construction work took place in 1737 with the construction of its main cathedral - the Our Lady of Smolensk Cathedral - which was completed in 1742.  This was joined by Ss John the Theologian and Andrew's Church in 1768.  Walls were built around the complex in the 1760s and quarters for the monks were built in the 1770s.

However in 1920 the monastery was closed and later converted for use as a butter and cheese factory.  Only in 2002 was the monastery reopened, but as a convent.  The Soviet years left many of the buildings in ruins and reconstruction work is still underway.  As of 2014 Ss John the Theologian and Andrew's Church has been reopened for worship, but a great deal of reconstruction work is still needed on the Our Lady of Smolensk Cathedral.