Photo taken by Scott Harrison via Flickr
If you’re in Fresno, California and you’re looking to escape the heat, check out the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Located in Fresno, California, this open-air museum is an exquisite historic landmark that has been impressing visitors for many years.
History
The underground garden was built by Baldassare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant who moved to America in 1901. He purchased 80 acres of land in Fresno, hoping to turn it into the citrus farm he always wanted. Forestiere eventually realized that that the soil was hardpan, making it impossible to grow his citrus plants.
After discovering that the soil underneath the hardpan was fertile and perfect for cultivating plants, he got to work. Using a pick, shovel, and wheelbarrow, Forestiere carved more than 10,000 square feet of subterranean rooms, tunnels, and courtyards over the next 40 years. He also planted a wide variety of fruitbearing trees and vines like lemon, orange, grapefruit, kumquat, and jujube.
The Forestiere Underground Gardens became a California Historical Landmark in 1979. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
An underground mansion unlike any other
Inspired by the ancient catacombs Forestiere admired when he was young, the garden consists of caverns and passageways that surround his underground abode. Visitors will find arches, columns, and domes made from hardpan, the same material that prevented Forestiere from starting his citrus farm. A number of rooms also feature fruit-bearing trees and grapes that Forestiere planted himself.
Fed by skylights, this underground estate offers natural overhead lighting to the courtyard, garden and living areas below. The garden even has a tri-level aquarium with an underground glass viewing area.
The Forestiere Underground Garden was designed to let cool air move around the enclosed area. As you walk through the passageways, you’ll be greeted by a gentle breeze. The temperature in this open-air museum varies from 50 to 86 degrees.
Hand-built by a visionary
One of the most awe-inspiring details about the underground garden is Forestiere’s dedication to his idyllic subterranean arboretum. Despite having no blueprints and no formal training in architecture and engineering, Forestiere was able to create a magnificent masterpiece that continues to impress visitors to this day.
Forestiere worked on the garden from 1906 until his death in 1946.
Touring the underground garden
To preserve the nature of the historic site, The Forestiere Underground Gardens can only be accessed through a guided tour. During the tour, a guide will walk you through the passageways, courtyards, and rooms and share stories about Baldassare Forestiere and his amazing work.
Tours are typically open from April to November, with each tour lasting for around 60 minutes. Public tours are first come, first served.
The underground garden is located at 5021 West Shaw Avenue, just off Highway 99. Visitors may only park along Shaw Avenue, Forestiere Avenue, and Cornelia Avenue. For more information about the Forestiere Underground Gardens, check out their website.
Searching for homes in California’s San Joaquin Valley? Get in touch with Soldavi Realty today, the number one Realtors in Merced, CA. Call 209.383.3000 or send an email to a(dotted)diaz(at)soldavi(dotted)com to learn more.