Ciniselli Circus, Circus building in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Ciniselli Circus is a circus building on Fontanka River Embankment in Saint Petersburg with a large circular hall and a 49-meter dome overhead. The interior holds around 1,900 seats and features a ring 13 meters across with specialized flooring designed for performances.
The building opened in 1877 as Russia's first permanent stone circus structure, built by Italian entrepreneur Gaetano Ciniselli. Its construction marked a turning point for Russian circus culture and established Saint Petersburg as a center for the art form.
The circus company has shaped the city's artistic life for generations, drawing audiences with classical skills like acrobatics and trapeze work. Performances follow Russian traditions that blend physical mastery with theatrical storytelling.
The venue sits directly on the Fontanka River, making it easy to reach, and its distinctive round form and central location make it simple to find. Visitors should know that acrobatic acts and performances run throughout the year, so checking ahead about what is showing helps you plan your visit.
The dome was built using innovative construction methods that needed no supporting columns, giving all spectators an unobstructed view of the stage. This engineering solution was a notable achievement for its time and contributed to the venue's popularity.
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