Welcome to Holy Land USA, a unique religious landmark nestled in the hills of Waterbury, Connecticut. Established in 1955 by John Baptist Greco, a devout local attorney, Holy Land USA was envisioned as a spiritual retreat and educational experience. Greco aimed to recreate the ancient Biblical world, offering visitors a chance to walk through replicas of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, crafted with cinder blocks, bathtubs, and repurposed materials.
At the height of its popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, Holy Land USA attracted over 40,000 visitors annually. It wasn’t just a place of religious reflection; it was a community project involving volunteers from the Companions of Christ who helped bring Greco’s vision to life. The site features a prominent 56-foot cross, once illuminated to guide visitors from afar.
After Greco passed away in 1986, the park closed for renovations that were never completed, leaving it to fall into disrepair. Despite its closure, Holy Land USA remained a point of interest for locals and travelers alike, often referred to as a piece of folk art.
In recent years, efforts have been made to restore the park, including the replacement of the original cross with a new 50-foot stainless steel version in 2008. The park reopened to the public in 2014 with a special Mass, symbolizing a new chapter in its storied history.
Holy Land USA is not just a testament to personal faith but a reflection of community spirit and the enduring allure of the Holy Land. It serves as a reminder of the power of belief and the impact one individual’s vision can have on a community.
