The word “mausoleum” comes from the Persian ruler King Mausolus who died in 353 B.C., and who desired to be buried in a grand structure to assure he would be remembered long after his death. Sadly, the structure was destroyed by earthquakes. Two of the world’s most famous mausoleums are the Taj Mahal and the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan.
“Mausoleum” is a term which describes a large above ground building whose purpose is to house the remains of the deceased. Mausoleums can hold both caskets and cremation urns, and are designed to offer protection from the elements.
Mausoleums can be simple structures built for two, or elaborate places with stained glass windows, statues, and chapels, built for thousands.
Chambers built within a mausoleum to house caskets are called “crypts”, and those built to house cremation urns are referred to as “niches”. Catholic Cemeteries Association offers both options in all of our mausoleums.
