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Benátky nad Jizerou is situated at an altitude of 194 m on the river Jizera (Iser) in Central Bohemia. The village of Obodř (Obodersch), today part of Benátky nad Jizerou, was first mentioned in 1052. Nové Benátky (Neu-Benatek), located on a hill above the river, was founded prior to 1346 together with the monastery and church of the Nativity of Our Lady, which were completed in 1349.

The monastery perished later in times of war, but a new castle [background top left] was built in its place in 1525 in Renaissance style. In 1599 the castle was sold to Emperor Rudolf II who gave it to the astronomer Tycho de Brahe for his astronomical observations. In 1600 the castle was the location of the first meeting between Brahe and Johannes Kepler. After the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) the castle was given to the famous cavalry general Jan van Weerth who added the north wing to the castle. The castle was finally completed in 1702 with the construction of the east wing and church tower. During the 18th century the interiors were decorated in Baroque and Rococo style. Between 1844 and 1847 the young composer Bedřich Smetana worked here as the music teacher of the family of Count Thun-Hohenstein. In 1920 the castle was obtained by the municipality of Nové Benátky.

In 1944 Nové Benátky, Staré Benátky (Alt-Benatek) and Obodř were merged to form the new municipality of Benátky nad Jizerou.

The most famous sons of Benátky nad Jizerou are the composers František (Franz) BENDA (1709–1786) and Jiří Antonín (Georg Anton) BENDA (1722–1795) who were born in Staré Benátky.

A note on the name Benátky: Benátky is Czech for Venice. As a place name it is very popular in Bohemia and Moravia (now Czech Republic). Besides Benátky nad Jizerou there are 8 other places named Benátky in the Czech Republic.