The Bolshoi State Saint-Petersburg Circus

Circus Ciniselli was the first brick-built circus in Russia; it is situated beside the Fontanka in Saint Petersburg.

The building, which still stands, was opened on 26 December 1877, with a large stage and stables. The architect was Vasily Kenel.

The Italian circus performer Gaetano Ciniselli first visited Saint Petersburg in 1845, 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 1919, when they emigrated.