The Bolshoi Saint-Petersburg State Chinizelli Circus on the Fontanka river
The Circus on the Fontanka river, built in early 1827, was used for cirsus and theatre performances. In 1877 the circus was rebuilt by the famous architect Kennel. The first ever show of the renewed cirsus took place in December 1877.
During the Soviet period the circus became one of the most popular places among famiies with children. The cirsus artists from all over the world performed on the stage of the circus.
In 2014-2015 The Circus on the Fontanka river was closed due to reconstruction. Nowadays the renewed circus can host up to 1800 visitors
The history of The Circus on the Fontanka river is connectd with the name of Italian jockey maestro Gaetano Chinizelli, head of the cirsus dinasty, famous throught the Europe. Here worked great clowns - Yury Nikulin, Mikhail Shuidin, Oleg Popov, Leonid Engibarov, Evgeniy Mayhrovsky, Gennady Makovsky, Genrih Rotman, Anatoly Marchevsky, Yuriy Kuklachov, famous trainers - Irina Bugrimova, Margarita Nazarova, Ludmila and Vladimir Shevenko, Boris Biryukov, Nikolai Pavlenko, Irina and Ivan Yarovye, Ludmila and Vladimir Deryabkiny, Dzhigit group of Tamerlan Nugzarov, juggler Sergei Ignatov, illusionists Lyubov and Anatoly Sudarchikovy, air flight of Vladimir Garamov and many other masters of Manege. Composers V.Soloviev-Sedoi, O.Chromushin, A.Kavlarsky, G.Firtich, Ya.Duravin; Poets: S.Orlov, V.Toropygin, M.Dudin, V.Syslov, O.Chuprov; script writers: A.Minchkovsky, A.Barten, I.Turichin, K.Ryzhov, M.Fradkin and Y.Pogorelsky, I.Vinogradsky; Artists: V.Ryndin, T.Bruns, C.Mandel, V.Galba, O.Orevin, and others have cooperated with the Circus on Fontanka.
The Cirsus does not have any specific Dress Code, however smart casual style is welcome, especially if you go with children.
The Bolshoi Saint-Petersburg State Chinizelli Circus on the Fontanka River is located in the heart of the city, close to Newsky prospect and Sadovaya street. It can be easily accesed from Nevsky prospect, Gostiny Dvor, Ploschad Vosstaniya or Mayakovskaya subway stations.
The Circus on the Fontanka river is worth visiting every time of the year. Winter holidays are high season due to special New Year performances.