A mausoleum is a building that stands separate from other buildings in a cemetery as a monument to one or more interred corpses. It is a tomb that allows for walk-in visitations, multiple crypts, coffins and urns. Mausoleums were initially made only for royalty and important persons to be separated in death from commoners, but in the past century, mausoleums have grown in popularity and accessibility.
Materials and Design
Before making a mausoleum, the area must be set aside. The burial structures can be placed in cemeteries, private land or near churches. Mausoleums are made as a typical structure with walls, roofing, doors and additional windows that are sometimes stained glass. They are constructed with cement, stone, granite, roofing materials and, in some cases, marble for pillars and other ornate support columns. Inside the mausoleum, there is an area for a burial chamber built on ground level rather than 6 feet deep as are most graves. The burial chamber can house one or more bodies and can also contain inserts for cremation urns.
Popular Mausoleums
Some mausoleums have been well-noted through history. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal built by her husband, emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. It is well-known for its size and ornate design. The pyramids of ancient Egypt are examples of mausoleums because they house the remains of ancient rulers and their families. Also, the tomb of Russian leader Vladimir Lenin is noted for its design and its schedule to maintain the deceased's appearance.
