Castrum doloris (
Latin for
Castle of grief) is a name for the structure and decorations sheltering or accompanying the
catafalque or
bier that signify the prestige or high estate of the deceased. A Castrum doloris might feature an elaborate
baldachin and would include
candles, possibly
flowers, and in most cases
coats of arms,
epitaphs and possibly
allegorical statues. Many extensive
castrum doloris can be traced to the customs of 17th century and 18th century or even earlier, since Pope Sixtus V's funeral arrangements included a
castrum doloris in the mid 14th Century.
Notable examples include coffin portrait (Polish: portret trumienny) of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.