The Alexander Palace, a vast neo-Classical edifice, was commissioned by Catherine II for the wedding of her favourite grandson, the future emperor Alexander I, and Grand Duchess Elizaveta Alexeyevna. Built on a design by Quarenghi between 1792 and 1796, the building was decorated with a double colonnade and flanked by two symmetrical wings. Although Alexander spent little time in his palace, it became the favourite residence of his successors.