EMPRESS ELIZABETH I

Elizabeth Petrovna (1709-1761) - Empress from 1741, gained power by dethroning Emperor Ivan VI Antonovich (1740-1764). The daughter of Emperor Petr I (1672-1725) and Empress Catherine I (1684-1727). Owned Sarskoje Selo (later Tzarskoje Selo) from 1727. Catherine I had willed the estate to her. Following her coronation,Elizabeth I ordered the extensive reconstruction and expansion of the Large Palace (later known as the Catherine Palace), creation of the New Park and expansion of the Old Park, construction of the Hermitage and Grotto park pavilions and others at Sarskoje Selo (later Tzarskoje Selo).