description Circus on Fontanka Overview
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Circus on Fontanka ranks #39 of 269 in the Circus ranking, behind Cirque Medrano, ahead of National Centre for Circus Arts.
Historic St. Petersburg circus building with major architectural and cultural prestige; performance reputation is solid but era-dependent.
help Circus on Fontanka FAQ
Why is the Circus on Fontanka also called the Ciniselli Circus?
The permanent circus was founded by Italian circus director Gaetano Ciniselli and opened in St. Petersburg in 1877. His name remains attached to the building even though it has operated under several official names.
What made the Circus on Fontanka building unusual in 1877?
It was one of Russia's first purpose-built permanent stone circus buildings and was designed around a large unobstructed performance space. Its engineering avoided interior columns that would have blocked spectators' view of the ring.
Is the Circus on Fontanka the same as the Bolshoi St. Petersburg State Circus?
Yes. Bolshoi St. Petersburg State Circus is an official modern name for the historic venue on the Fontanka River embankment, while Ciniselli Circus and Circus on Fontanka are widely used historical names.
What kind of performances are staged at the Circus on Fontanka?
Programs traditionally combine acrobats, aerialists, clowns, jugglers, and trained-animal acts in a circular arena. The venue remains associated with the Russian circus tradition rather than a single resident production.
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