Exploring Earth's Priciest Abandoned Structures
10.Holy Land, USA,Waterbury, Conn.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut; 60 Slocum Street
Year Established: 1955
Cost: $350,000* (land price as of 2013)
In the 1950s, visionary Roman Catholic lawyer John Baptist Greco conceived Holy Land USA, an amusement park with a unique religious theme. At the time, Holy Land USA stood out not only for its commitment to anti-segregation policies but also for its array of religious attractions. Visitors could explore a large cross, Israelite villages, catacombs, and stations of the cross, making it a distinctive destination for both amusement and spiritual reflection.
Source: Atlas Obscura/Pinterest, Holy Land, Waterbury, Connecticut
Construction of Holy Land USA in Waterbury, Connecticut, was completed in the late 1950s. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the park attracted approximately 40,000 visitors each year, becoming a beloved destination for families and religious pilgrims alike.
In 1984, John Baptist Greco decided to close Holy Land USA with plans for expansion. However, the park remained incomplete and abandoned following his passing in 1986, leaving behind a poignant reminder of its once-thriving community and spiritual significance.
