Mausoleums are found on every continent, from every chapter of human history. They almost always include an enclosed stone structure for the interment of several people, often an entire immediate or extended family, and they are sometimes elaborately decorated with statues, engravings, and ornate architecture. The most extraordinary examples of mausoleums from around the world include the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and many royal tombs in Europe, but most larger American cemeteries feature more modest examples of these structures. The word “mausoleum” originated from the grave of the Persian king Mausolus, whose enormous grave – the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in modern-day Turkey – was among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
Curious about building a mausoleum?
If you’re curious about building a mausoleum for your family, it may not be as prohibitively expensive as you think. It can be a beautiful gesture to keep your family together forever. If you have a cemetery plot that you’re interested in constructing a mausoleum on, be sure to check with the cemetery’s owners and the community planning and zoning board for regulations on construction; either group could have rules in place that impact the construction, even if it’s a very small and sturdy building. Once cleared for construction, you’ll be able to develop blueprints and find quotes on the project’s costs in materials and labor from different professional builders.
Your local monument company should be familiar with local cemetery rules and regulations and can assist you with determining any zoning regulations in accordance with the construction of your family mausoleum.
Designing mausoleums
Mausoleums vary widely in their size and design. Many American customers prefer an ornate, gothic style, but simpler designs are also becoming popular. Virtually all modern mausoleums are made of bricks or stones and include at least some engravings. Designs that incorporate statues or other carvings will typically be the most expensive, but the cost of these ornaments could be managed by using castings rather than original sculptures.
Columbia Gardens Memorials is experienced in designing and building custom mausoleums. Depending on the scale of the project, we may be able to personally handle all masonry, sculpture, and engraving. We’re passionate about helping people commemorate their loved ones, and no project is too large or too small. Call us today at 703-527-7774 to learn more about custom mausoleums, or to inquire about one of our other services.
Photo: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise by Andrea Schaffer licensed under Creative commons 4
1 thought on “Is a mausoleum right for your family?”
I like your advice to work with a local company that provides monuments to discuss the rules and regulations of the cemetery. This would be important to know the limitations so you can start the design without having to rework it later on. When choosing a company, it would probably be a good idea to research and then contact the ones you’re interested in so you can find one that offers the type of cemetery monuments you want that provides friendly services and will work with you to help you get the design you want.
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