Ciniselli Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Circus Ciniselli was the first stone-built circus in Russia. The building, which still stands, was opened on 26 December 1877, with a large stage (13 meters in diameter) and stables (housing 150 horses). The architect was Vasily Kenel. The Italian circus performer Gaetano Ciniselli (1815-1881) first visited Saint Petersburg in 1847, as part of the troupe of Alessandro Guerra. He returned to Russia in 1869, this time working with Carl-Magnus Hinne, his brother-in-law, in his circuses in Moscow and Saint Petersbrug. Ciniselli settled in Russia, and inherited Hinne's circuses in 1875.

The Ciniselli family managed the circus until 1921, when they emigrated. They would often lease the building to stage high-profile entertainment events, such as the World Wrestling Championship in 1898 and Max Reinhardt's production of Oedipus Rex which featured Alexander Moissi in 1911. In 1918 Iury Iurev revived the play using the original set. This was followed by the production of Macbeth featuring Maria Andreeva and Feodor Chaliapin.

Two halls in the building house the first circus museum in the world, opened in 1928.

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User Reviews

Fatima Alobeidli (2 years ago)
The circus is very amazing, the movements are impressive, and the time is fun. I recommend the interesting experience

Mohannad El Akabawi (4 years ago)
The best place for all ages for non stop fun ..and also specially for kids ll love it

Andrei Kodenko (4 years ago)
One of the oldest circus buildings in Europe. Always world class performances. Great place for children of all ages

Mikhail Merkushev (4 years ago)
Best Circus in my life from childhood to nower days! Take your kids there, it's worth it.

Oleg Naumov (4 years ago)
Circus of Ciniselli still stands over Fontanka River and this old Italian circus ? is still very popular. First wooden circus existed here in 1827 known as the Circus of Turner. Gaetano Ciniselli (1815-1881) brought that circus in 1872 and constructed new big circus. Circus Ciniselli was opened in 1877 and still existed. Signor Gaetano lived in Saint Petersburg till his death in 1881. Saint Petersburg, ?? Russian Federation ??. March 27, 2021.

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