A mausoleum is a large monumental tomb which has a chamber that contains funeral urns or caskets. Unlike most tombs, mausoleums are generally built above ground allowing the rank and achievements of the deceased to be displayed. The earliest known mausoleums were built over five thousand years ago from huge pieces of stone, and were usually covered with earth or rock. In the centuries that followed, mausoleums were usually built for significant individuals or for prestige. The best known mausoleum is the 17th century Taj Mahal. Today mausoleums can be found in cemeteries around the world – they are usually multi-storeyed and can accommodate hundreds, sometimes thousands, of entombments.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2

Q: Is everything burnt in the cremation?

By law, both the coffin and body are consumed in a cremation. The only items not consumed in a cremation are the metal handles on the coffin. Some crematoria may be required by the local Environmental Protection Authority to remove fittings made of other material. This is because of the adverse effects the material may have on the environment near the crematorium. All these items are destroyed. They are never recycled.