Holy Land USA

High atop Pine Hill in Waterbury, Connecticut rests the remains of the former park known as Holy Land USA.   Before being closed to the public in 1984 it was a popular Connecticut landmark attaining close to 40,000 visitors a year.  The original creator, John Greco, wanted to recreate Holy Land in Israel and did so by imitating "miniature versions of Bethlehem and Jerusalem" and other biblical figures.  The 18-acre park houses over 200 structures made out of a plethora of miscellaneous items.  It's centerpieces include a 56-foot cross and a sign of Holy Land USA, almost replicating the Hollywood sign in California.  The original cross was later replaced by a 50-foot more modern, stainless steal model.  

It was reported that Greco created this park after receiving a message from God.  This is only one aspect of Holy Land's story that gives the landmark such an eerie vibe.  After Greco passed on, he left the park to an order of nuns known as the Religious Teachers Fillipini of Bristol.  Since being closed from the public, the nuns up kept the property but its appearance continued to dwindle due to vandals and the ever-curious public which still managed to find its way onto the grounds.  The handmade structures and displays are in ruins which contribute to it's definitive character.  The eerily compelling grounds are found to be a photographers paradise with its appealing views and eye-catching structures like the big Holy Land cross high up on the hill.  One man claims it has a "literal post-apocalyptic feel."  It's natural and forced deterioration as well as the religious undertones associated with the site attribute to the creepy aura.  It was also the site of a rape-murder 2010.

It was originally closed off to the public for renovation purposes but Greco passed and left it to the nuns who never reopened it. The not so well-known landmark is still an in demand destination though, seeing as the Waterbury Visitors Bureau still receives over 150 calls a year from people asking for directions to Holy Land.  Its religious pride and eclectic dioramas are still evident from I-84 and still provide a unique view to be seen for miles.

References

Frances, Chamberlain (November 4, 2001). "The View From/Waterbury; A Hilltop Landmark Undergoes a Revival". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 September 2012.

Grossman, Andrew (July 22, 2010). "A Murder Puts Focus on Holy Land U.S.A.". The Wall Street Journal. .Retrieved 17 September 2012

"Holy Land USA". Roadside America. Retrieved 17 September 2012.

Paul, Zielbauer (November 12, 2001). "A Sight That Inspires Ambivalence; Ruins of a Religious Park Await Restorers or the Bulldozer".The New York Times. Retrieved 17 September 2012.