The Bolshoi Saint Petersburg State Circus on Fontanka has celebrated its 130th anniversary.
      In 1877 the first brick building designed with a view to circus needs was constructed in Saint Petersburg and became its permanent arena.
      
      The building of the first circus was initiated by the Italian circus artiste, horse rider and animal trainer Gaetano Chinizelli.
      
      The dome built in the circus was unique for that time: 50 meters broad in diameter, it was not supported by columns. The actors call this arena happy, since none of the stunts performed during the 130 years of the circus existence ended tragically.
      
      According to the circus director Grigory Gaponov, nowadays over 150 people are engaged in the circus company. No other circus of Russia can boast such topnotch light and sound equipment like that of the Circus-on-Fontanka, Pravda.ru reports.
      
      Source: www.oreanda.ru