Columbarium and Mausoleums

There are two main above-ground options for burial after death: columbarium and mausoleums. These buildings are common landmarks in cemeteries and funeral homes. Funeral homes in Davenport, IA and the rest of the country offer bereaved a few different options when it comes to interring the deceased’s remains above ground. But do you know the difference between the two? 

If you’ve ever been walking in, through or past a cemetery, you’ve most likely noticed the ornate but small buildings scattered around the grounds amidst the tombstones. These buildings are mausoleums, columbarium, or even a combination of the two. 

Both columbarium and mausoleums are defined as permanent, above ground resting places for human remains, but they have a few key differences between them. Unlike mausoleums that generally hold bodies, columbarium are designed to house cremated remains. 

Columbarium 

The term columbarium comes from the Latin word “columba” which means dove. In the past, doves and pigeons were housed in buildings with niches on the walls for their nests. This design is very similar to how columbarium are made, as they have compartments built into the walls to house and display cremation urns. There are lots of different columbarium designs. Some are indoor and some are outside, while others are simple and more still are decorated and elaborate. You can choose whatever kind of columbarium you like for your lost loved one. 

Mausoleums 

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, a mausoleum is defined as, “a building designed for above-ground placement of a casket. The casket is placed into a crypt that may be designed for one or two persons.” Mausoleums can have one crypt, or a chamber designed to hold one body, or a larger space made to hold a few people like a family or a couple. Some mausoleums have more than one room for different parts of a family. These buildings are often decorated with exterior markers to denote who is resting inside. Some even have glass windows that allow those on the outside to view the coffins. 

Mausoleums can be found in different variations and designs all around the world. One of the original Seven Wonders of the World was a mausoleum. Built in 353 BC near what is now known as Turkey, The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was the final resting place of a famous Persian king named Mausolus. This king was so rich that he commissioned one of the finest mausoleums ever built and is actually how the term mausoleum was coined. 

Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help if you’re looking for more information on common funeral questions, or would like to learn more about Davenport, IA funeral homes and services. We have years of funeral home experience that we would be honored to put at your disposal in your time of loss. Whether you’re preplanning for a funeral or dealing with the recent death of a loved one, we’re here for you. Stop by and visit us or give us a call today.