What is a mausoleum?
Have you ever heard of this type of grave? They are large and tall architectures or tombs characterized by their aesthetics and beauty. The people who decide to obtain this sepulcher sometimes do so to show their economic, political and social status, or simply because an entire family is there.
In general, they are not very popular and tend to be quite expensive, there are also very famous mausoleums located in other countries. In Costa Rica, the closest thing to them are the large monuments where several people can be buried, usually members of the same family.
Its origin
The origin comes from the Latin \”mausoleum\” and means Mausolo\’s tomb. Mausolus was a king whose wife had the Halicarnassus Mausoleum built in his honor. This place is considered in the world one of the seven ancient wonders.
In ancient times, people who wanted to build one had the idea that building such a monument would somehow make them immortal, due to its aesthetics, beauty and the majesty of its architecture.
What is inside modern mausoleums?
It will depend on the size, the bigger , the more people can be accommodated. If it is a small one , it can only contain a coffin with some personal belongings of the deceased person. In the end, they are funerary monuments where the bodies of deceased people are found.
Most famous mausoleums
1. Halicarnassus Mausoleum
It is the first to be built, as we mentioned before, the wife of King Mausolo de Caria, Artemisa II, was the one who sent it to be built in honor of her husband. It was built by two architects of Greek origin between 353 BC and 350 BC Its perimeter measured about 135 meters and its height was about 46 meters, it had four floors. Today it no longer exists.
2. Lenin\’s Mausoleum
It was built at the request of the Soviet government in 1924 after the death of Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin). His embalmed body is still found inside the building on Red Square located in Moscow, its structure is not large and has elements such as the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Also, for a few years he was buried with Joseph Stalin.
3. Mausoleum of Augustus
It is located in Rome at the beginning of the 1st century BC. C. In the first place, it was built by Augustus in the year 28 BC. It had a circular structure that measured 87 meters in diameter and had two obelisks at the entrance and was full of corridors inside. Over the years it has been a vineyard, a medieval fortress or even a square for others, but today it looks abandoned. Since 2021 it is in the process of restoration.
4. Mausoleum of Santa Constanza
It is of Roman origin and is located in the capital of Italy, it is classified as an early Christian religious building, it is also known by the name of the Church of Santa Constanza . Outside and inside it is built by concentric circles and decorated with mosaics. Construction began in the 4th century for the daughter of Emperor Constantine.
5. Taj Mahal Mausoleum
The Taj Mahal is also one of the most famous in the world, it is located in India and was built in the 17th century. The Muslim emperor, Shah Jahan, was the one who ordered its construction in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to her fourteenth daughter. In addition, it is one of the 7 wonders of the world, its architecture is made up of white marble, surrounded by gardens.
Why do people choose a burial in this grave?
- Above Ground Alternative: Some people don\’t like the idea of being buried underground, so this is an alternative.
- Aesthetics: Others choose the option of being buried in these monuments for aesthetic reasons. This can have marble ceilings, be a modern or contemporary mausoleum, it can also be surrounded by gardens like the
- Land: They are attractive to most people due to their architecture, but those who most request this type of burial are those who have a little more money, since a large piece of land is needed to build it.
- Tradition: Being one of the oldest burial methods, some people followed it as one of the most precious traditions.
- Privacy: These private family graves for some people represent a more harmonious and peaceful place in their final rest. They are ideal for families who want privacy.
- Environment: As it is a structure on the ground and can be built on cement, marble or other forms, it does not require permanent irrigation. It is a good option in countries where water is scarce.
I hope that the history of these monuments has been of interest, the most important thing for us is to celebrate the lives of our special people, it does not matter where a body is buried, for that reason our facilities in the different cemeteries around the country are designed on beautiful gardens, surrounded by nature.
If you need more information about our cemeteries , packages and services , you can contact us and we will gladly help you.