The subterranean feel and unique history of Forestiere’s Underground Gardens makes this place a treasure of Fresno’s past since its public discovery in 1923.
Tourists come from all over the world to see its Roman-styled arches handmade from hard pan and the distinct styles of the plants that grow within. Many visitors find it hard to believe that this was once an actual home.
Though the Gardens are located just off Freeway 99 on Shaw, a vast number of Fresno citizens have never even heard of them.
“I had never even heard of the Underground Gardens until I saw them on the news one time,” Jessica Massie, ’11, said. “My dad is a farmer, so the gardens really captured my interest.”
The structure’s creator, Baldassare Forestiere, came from building subways on the East Coast to Fresno, CA, with a dream of owning a citrus empire. But after spending all of his pay on 80 acres of hard pan and experiencing the Valley’s summer heatwave, he soon realized that it would take a lot of work to grow anything at all. This realization sparked the idea to begin tunneling underground, where the environment was cooler and more moist.
The old tunnels were modeled after the Roman catacombs for sturdiness and support, and skylights allow the majestic, thriving plant life to soak in the sunlight. The air circulation of the insulating hard pan walls cools down the atmosphere of the shaded passageways.
“I love seeing people’s reactions, especially when it’s their first time,” tour guide Shera Rodrick said. “Every single day, it’s just wonderful being out here. It just has a really good feel to it. It’s a really great environment.”
In many of the rooms, Forestiere decorated and designed his rooms to represent his Christian faith and bless his dwelling. Trees and vines are often seen with only three branches to represent the Holy Trinity. Religious symbols and statues are also placed in almost every room of the gardens. Forestiere even built his very own chapel.
“It’s an interesting way for him to express his faith,” Massie said. “It’s as if he were using his creativity to glorify God.”
Many of the artifacts and tunnels, however, no longer remain or are in disrepair. After Forestiere’s death, much of his land was sold off by his family, and a lot of his belongings were stolen.
Despite these losses, three levels of fantastic sights and wonders still remain, such as a long underground driveway, a tree that bears seven different fruits, and an aquarium which can be viewed from all three levels of the gardens.
“I particularly want to see a tree that I heard about that grows seven different kinds of fruits,” Massie said. “I didn’t even know that was possible!”
Due to restoration efforts, the second underground level opened in March 2010 for the first time ever. One returning visitor, Heather Frech, expressed her enthusiasm toward seeing the added-on level.
“Seeing the lower level this time was a treat,” said Frech, a second time visitor to the Underground Gardens. “I was really curious to see the lower levels. I was actually hoping to see all three.”
Perhaps with more restoration efforts, all of the remaining parts of the gardens will be open for the public’s enjoyment. But for now, the parts that have been preserved exist as a timeless attraction for all to enjoy.
For more information on the history, location and tour schedules of Forestiere’s Underground Gardens, visit the attraction’s website.
