Once a popular relgious-themed park in Waterbury, Connecticut, Holy Land USA closed its gates to the public nearly 30 years ago... but its colorful and sometimes dark reputation continues to the present day.
Photo: Damned Connecticut
At its peak in the '60s and '70s, the park's full-size replicas of historic sites from ancient Israel attracted tens of thousands of patrons per year. But when founder & owner John Baptist Greco passed away in 1986, his plans to upgrade the park died with him.
Photo: Damned Connecticut
That hasn't stopped curious urban explorers from visiting the ruins of the replica buildings, chapels, and catacombs, most of which are still standing today – although some installations like this illuminated 50-foot cross are recent upgrades donated by various benefactors, some of whom are still determined to fund the park's renovation.
Photo: Associated Press
Holy Land USA has also acquired a darker history since it fell into disrepair; in addition to numerous trespassers and vandals, it was the site of a brutal murder in 2010.