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“A network of catacomb gardens!”
Fresno's best kept secret, The Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built over a century ago. A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground -- some over 90 years-old... -Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls -Underground micro-climates -- temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees -Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere The Underground Gardens are the life-long devotion and hobby of Baldassare Forestiere (1879-1946), a Sicilian immigrant who came to America in 1901 to escape the iron rule of his wealthy father and pursue his own dreams. The Gardens are a subterranean complex of patios, grottos, and garden courts interconnecting with passageways that encircle the living quarters of the self-taught artist and builder who sought to escape the brutal heat of Fresno summers. Forestiere patterned his underground world after the ancient catacombs, which he so admired as a boy. Arches and passageways dominate the underground landscape while the stonework provides stability and beauty. But unlike the dark catacombs that protected the remnants of the lifeless, Forestiere designed well-lit courtyards and grottos to bring forth the radiance and vitality of life. No plans were put on paper; each room and passageway originated in Forestiere’s mind as he worked. With the simple tools of a farmer—a pick, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow—the young immigrant dug, chipped, and carved the unforgiving hardpan land for 40 years (1906-1946) in his spare time. By the time he was 44 years-old, he had excavated and planted over 10 acres. But the humble immigrant’s genius did not stop there. Incredibly, Forestiere planted multiple varieties of fruit-bearing plants at different underground levels. Oranges, lemons, grapefruits—many on a single tree—as well as more unusual varieties like kumquat, loquat, jujube, strawberry, quince, and dates could be easily plucked from the surface by simply bending down. Wine and table grapes also grace this sanctuary, and dangle lusciously in great clumps every-where---truly an oasis in a modern-day desert of pavement.
We went into the underground entrance knowing little about the gardens but emerged with the knowledge of an innovator. The tour and views are only comparable to the amazing tour experience we got... Read more
Picture taking is welcomed. No! Video cameras allowed One should definitely make it a priority to visit Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno Ca. The most spectacular place in Fresno Ca to... Read more
what a beautiful hidden gem in Fresno, this place was!!! so happy we got to go through the guided tour!! our tour guide was really funny, but I forgot her name. We went on a Friday and I called... Read more
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
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