Dome of the Hamilton Mausoleum

The final resting place of the Dukes of Hamilton, created between 1842-58. Situated beside the M74, it was part of a large estate which also included a palace and the hunting lodge at Chatelherault.

I had the chance to see inside today, and would recommend a tour, which can be arranged through the local museum. A large space, the dome reminded me of the Pantheon in Rome. The 10th Duke created the place and was buried here, first mummified and then placed in an Egyptian Sarcophagus, positioned on top of a black marble plinth (image in my Blipfolio.)

The original doors, which are now on display inside, are made of solid bronze and are copies of Ghiberti's Baptistry doors in Florence.

I also visited the crypt underneath the Chapel, where several of his family were buried until the building started to sink due to mine workings. The coffins were then reburied in Bent Cemetery in Hamilton.

The building has the record for the long lasting echo anywhere in the world, around 18.5 seconds when last measured. There are also four whispering walls, alcoves where you can whisper a message at one side and it is clearly heard on the other.

More information here and here.