What is a "mausoleum"?
A mausoleum is an above-ground structure that's used for the interment of human remains. It protects the casket, and it also can be considered a symbol of stature. Mausoleums do not prevent the body from decaying. In fact, depending on the type of casket that you're in, it could accelerate the actual decomposition process. There are also vents inside mausoleums that let gases escape through the roof so that the decomposition process goes fairly smoothly. The cost of purchasing a mausoleum will cover the actual space itself, the opening and closing of the space, endowment care, and anything else that you may want to do to the space. For example, if you wanted to put a marker up or you wanted to have a flower vase. The cemetery may also have other additional costs that they may require you to pay for a mausoleum.