Gaetano Ciniselli

Gaetano Ciniselli (March 1, 1815 – October 4, 1881) was an Italian-born equestrian performer, horse trainer, and circus proprietor. He was the director of the Ciniselli Circus.

Early life Gaetano Ciniselli was born on March 1, 1815, in Milan, Italy.

Career Gaetano Ciniselli began his career as an equestrian acrobat. At a young age, he joined the equestrian company of Alessandro Guerra.

Ciniselli first travelled to Saint Petersburg with the Guerra troupe in 1845.

He partnered with Carlos Price in October 1859. Gaetano Ciniselli opened his Gran Circo Real in a temporary structure in Barcelona during September 1860.

Gaetano's reputation had become so significant by the early 1860s that Victor Emmanuel II, first king of a unified Italy, invited him to train horses at the royal stables. He was granted the honorary position of Master of Horse. Built along the Fontanka Embankment, it was the first permanent circus building in Russia. He introduced Saint Petersburg audiences to Europe's finest performers and pantomime artists.

Gallery