In the upper part of the town of Klanjec, on the site of the former cemetery and chapel of St. Leonard, stands the monumental building of the Franciscan monastery, built in the period from 1630 until 1667. The monastery, together with the surrounding church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was erected with the help of the noble family Erdödy of Monyorokerek, Moslavina, and at the time of the counts Sigismund and Nicholas Erdödy − at that time Ban and lifelong prince of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. The Erdödy Dynasty, as part of the Central European elite, has had a significant impact on political and cultural life in Croatia throughout history and has greatly influenced the life and development of northwestern Croatia.

Throughout history, the monastery developed into a strong Franciscan center of Zagorje, where a large number of monks led by the abbot and operated in the 17th century. The first Public school was opened in the monastery, and students were studying philosophy and theology; also, numerous works of art were created there, as well as the archives of the monastery, which today has a very rich library and a valuable musical legacy. The monastery was also the basis for the development of the town of Klanjec as a city of culture. It was destroyed in a fire in 1716 but was partially restored around 1767 with donations from the Erdödy family and other benefactors. The last renovation of the monastery, which has not yet been fully completed, gives the town of Klanjec specialty and recognition.