Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno)

About the Attraction

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A visit to the Forestiere Underground Gardens offers a remarkable journey into one man's extraordinary vision and perseverance. Here's what to expect:

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• Architectural Marvel: Explore a hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards, and passageways spanning 10 acres and reaching depths of 25 feet, all created by Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere using only hand tools over a 40-year period (1906-1946).

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• Living Underground Oasis: Witness unique fruit-producing trees, grapevines, and shrubs thriving underground—some over 90 years old—showcasing Forestiere's ingenious solution to the Central Valley's harsh climate through natural underground micro-climates.

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• Historical Significance: Experience ancient Roman-inspired architecture featuring arches, vaults, and stone-built walls that earned this site designation as California Historical Landmark No. 916 and a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

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It's a must-visit destination for those interested in unconventional architecture, sustainable design, and the remarkable story of one man's determination to create beauty beneath the earth.