Benátky nad Jizerou is a town on the Jizera River in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, between Stará Boleslav and Mladá Boleslav.

Benátky Castle

The town was the site of a castle and observatory built by astronomer Tycho Brahe. Johann von Klenau, the Habsburg general, was born at the castle in 1758. His old Bohemian family owned the castle at the time. Later it was owned by the counts Thun und Hohenstein.

Notable people

The Benda brothers were born here. They were to later find fame as composers and performers in Germany where many of their descendants also became successful musicians.

Franz Benda (1709–1786), violinist and composer
Johann Georg Benda (1713–1752), violinist and composer
Georg Benda (1722–1795), violinist and composer
Joseph Benda (1724–1804), violinist and composer