- HISTORIC LANDMARK NO. 916
Visitors will learn the history of Baldassare Forestiere and his underground home, gardens, and creations! This is a walking tour through underground passageways, rooms, and courtyards. Guests will be walking on earthen terrain and should dress accordingly.
- 1 Hour
- All Ages
See the beauty of Forestiere Underground Gardens!
Take an hour-long guided walking tour through Baldassare Forestiere’s creation.
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See a hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards, and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs.
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Unique fruit-producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground — some over 90 years old!
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Ancient Roman architecture: arches, vaults, and stone-built walls.
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Underground micro-climates — temperature variations of 10 to 20 degrees!
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Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
In the early 1900s, Sicilian immigrant, citrus grower and visionary Baldassare Forestiere began turning what was useless farmland into a vast network of rooms, tunnels and courtyards as a subterranean escape from the sweltering Central Valley summer heat.
Using only shovels, picks and other hand tools, Baldassare was inspired to excavate for forty years, going as deep as 25 feet underground and spanning over 10 acres. He grew fruit trees and grapevines underground — many of which are still thriving today!
Today, guests from around the world tour through his grottos, passageways and underground homes at his underground gardens in Fresno. Although he never officially opened the Mediterranean resort of his dreams, we think Baldassare would be thrilled by all of the guests marveling at his life’s work today and finding inspiration underground.
Why our visitors love us!
"What a unique experience and interesting history of Fresno agriculture. This man was driven and thanks to his relatives, it’s still there to witness and enjoy. Our tour guide, Spencer, was a wonderful host and guide."
– iluvbulldogs • TripAdvisor
"Much more expansive than I expected with a fascinating story of the creator's life and ambitions. The tour guide did a fine job telling the story and pointing out the details. I plan to return with visiting guests."
– Jan Z • TripAdvisor
"If you ever come to fresno, you definitely have to visit it. The underground gardens are so special and beautiful. Glad that we came!"
– Ralph J • TripAdvisor
"The most unique underground gardens and home I have visited in the states. A must see. Incredible what this man did over a 40 year period. Must see!!! Excellent tour guide."
– l10181955 • TripAdvisor
"What a cool place !! Our tour guide Latishka was phenomenal! Truly could tell she enjoyed telling the story of the garden !! I highly recommend going."
– mary D • TripAdvisor