Waterbury, Connecticut: Holy Land USA
A long-closed attraction that became more interesting as it decayed. Opened in 1958, closed for decades, some efforts to restore; ~2025 most is a shrinking ruin.
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Honestly. not much left to look at of Holy Land USA, and I can't say it's really worth the hike up to the Cross. Plus being so high up, I found it too windy and cold to really enjoy just taking a break. I also found myself further unable to relax when I found out about the awful crime that happened here. Really would only recommend for religious roadside completists, like me, who wanna check this off their bucket list.
[Alex, 05/11/2025]
One could spend a long time wandering through this wonderfully holy wreckage. It's built on a very steep hill, and the paths are crumbling and uneven, with great views over Waterbury. Hiking shoes recommended.
[Annie, 11/17/2022]
This place was a creepy but cool place to stroll through.
[Christina, 06/17/2020]
Recently, a lot of the trees have been cut down, and while that makes it look a little more like Israel, it's not as pretty as it was several years back. Ignore the "NO TRESPASSING" signs. There aren't any cameras.
[Lindsay Sproul & Julie Buck, 07/31/2018]Those curious about what Holy Land was like in its prime should check out the excellent 1970 film, WANDA. In one sequence, the title character visits Holy Land and takes a tour of the Catacombs. There are shots of the gruesome tableaux featuring "blood"-spattered mannequins!
[John, 07/30/2015][Previous 5 items] Page of 5 [Next 5 items]
Holy Land USA
- Address:
- Slocum Road, Waterbury, CT
- Directions:
- Overlooks I-84 and the Brass Mill Center. Heading east, I-84 exit for S. Main St. -- stay straight on McMahon St., turn right on Baldwin St. then left on Pleasant St, which turns left on Emerald, then go right on Ayers St. to end. Private property, often gated; please be respectful.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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Holy Land USA had multi-decade run as a religious tourist attraction, then as a peculiar artistic urban ruin with a commanding view of Waterbury. While some vestiges remain, it doesn't appear to be on a trajectory for resurrection.