Step beneath Fresno’s ground at Forestiere Underground Gardens, a rare handcrafted subterranean world. This guided experience reveals inventive architecture, hidden groves, and a story of perseverance and artistry.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Visitors should be able to walk steadily on uneven terrain and manage several stairs or low ceilings.
Wildlife
History
Baldassare Forestiere began carving the gardens by hand around 1906, crafting an underground refuge and vineyard inspired by Roman catacombs and Sicilian traditions.
Conservation
The gardens exemplify sustainable design by leveraging natural cooling and water use, and preservation efforts maintain its historic and ecological integrity.
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Step beneath Fresno’s ground at Forestiere Underground Gardens, a rare handcrafted subterranean world. This guided experience reveals inventive architecture, hidden groves, and a story of perseverance and artistry.
Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, California, is a hand-built subterranean network of rooms, passageways, and courtyards created by immigrant sculptor Baldassare Forestiere. The site is preserved as a unique horticultural and historical landmark, open to the public through guided tours and scheduled events. Visitors can explore a one-hour Guided Tour of Forestiere Underground Gardens to learn the story of the site's creator while walking through distinctive earthen chambers and vine-covered courtyards.
The gardens host seasonal and special experiences that highlight the site's living architecture. Awaken the Underground Gardens marks spring with community gatherings and sound-based soil revitalization. Evening events such as Underground Overture: A Subterranean Sound Experience pair a guided exploration of the chambers with a sound bath led by visiting artists, and other programs combine tours with guided sound baths and tea tastings.
The organization that operates the site emphasizes stewardship of the gardens, interpretive education, and public access. Docent-led tours provide historical context and practical guidance for navigating the underground passages. Facilities and programs are presented with clear visitor information including location in Fresno, hours for scheduled tours, and event reservations.
Forestiere Underground Gardens attracts history enthusiasts, horticulture fans, and travelers seeking an unusual cultural experience in Central California. The site’s combination of architecture, plantings, and cultural programming makes it a distinctive destination for day visitors and organized groups. On-site staff and docents offer safety briefings, maintain pathways to protect visitors, and support conservation and educational programs and year-round outreach initiatives that preserve the gardens' fragile earthen architecture.
Location
Fresno, CA
Central California destination
Typical Tour
1 hour
Guided walking tour duration
Creator
Baldassare Forestiere
Hand-built subterranean gardens
Trips Listed
5
Guided tours & special events
Book guided tours, seasonal awakenings, sound experiences, and tea tastings — secure a spot for a limited-capacity experience in Fresno.
Book tours in advance
Reservation is recommended to guarantee your spot, especially during weekends or special events.
Watch your step underground
The tunnels have uneven floors and some low ceilings — comfortable shoes and attentiveness help navigate safely.
Avoid touching plant life
Preserve the gardens’ delicate ecosystem by refraining from touching the vegetation or architectural features.
Choose drop-off points carefully
Due to construction on the main street, drop off at side streets to avoid traffic or complicated U-turns.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes protect feet on uneven underground paths.
Light jacket or layers
The underground chambers maintain a cool temperature year-round.
fall|spring|winter
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially before or after visits in hot weather.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture unique photos of the garden’s distinctive underground architecture and plant life.