Posted in Southern California
February 10, 2017
The Underground Garden In Southern California That’s Straight Out Of A Fairytale
There are so many amazing, beautiful areas in Southern California, but did you know our state is just as stunning underground? The Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno is an excellent example of how cool life can be beneath the surface!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
While you will find countless incredible mansions anywhere you look, this one is special because it is truly underground. But the subterranean structures aren’t even its greatest feature; it’s also filled with gardens, fruit trees and grape vines!
The immaculate home is an amazing masterpiece designed by Baldassarre Forestiere, who emigrated from his home in Sicily to the United States in 1901. He purchased 80 acres of land in Fresno with the hope building a farm; however, the thin topsoil and remarkably dense ground proved impossible to till.
Rather than give up on his dream, Forestiere began digging. When he hit clay beneath the hardpan layer, he expanded outward, creating a network of underground rooms.
The clay was much more fertile soil for farming, so Forestiere began an underground garden, adding open skylights to give the plans the sun they needed to grow.
Forestiere’s hidden home also proved perfect to escape the sweltering heat of the Fresno summers. The intricate network of rooms, patios, gardens, and grottos were modeled after Old World catacombs… with the addition of open, naturally lit areas and courtyards, which keeps the structure from feeling tomb-like.
One of the most amazing things abut this spectacular one-of-a-kind home is that no piece of it was ever drawn out or planned. Forestiere mapped out rooms in his head as he worked, utilizing stones he excavated with simple tools. Forestiere worked on his private underground oasis for over 40 years.
You can visit Forestiere’s incredible underground garden and see his epic feat for yourself. It’s only open on non-rainy days and hours change seasonally, so check the website for details.
The Forestiere Underground Gardens are located at 5021 West Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA. Tour admission for adults is only $15 each and it’s definitely worth the adventure to see the magical fairytale-like gardens hiding out of sight!
