Welcome to the Forestiere Underground Gardens, a fascinating subterranean world carved out by the hands of one incredibly determined man, Baldassare Forestiere. Born in 1879 in Sicily, Italy, Baldassare immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s, lured by the promise of prosperity and the dream of cultivating a lush citrus orchard. However, upon purchasing land in Fresno, California, he was met with an unexpected challenge: the unforgiving hardpan soil. This dense layer of earth was unsuitable for agriculture and, coupled with the harsh summer heat, posed a significant obstacle.
Undeterred, Baldassare embarked on what would become a lifelong endeavor. Inspired by the ancient Roman catacombs and wine cellars of his homeland, he began to dig. What started as a simple cellar to escape the sweltering heat soon expanded into an intricate network of underground rooms and gardens. For 40 years, from 1906 until his passing in 1946, Baldassare toiled away, using only hand tools and the strength of a pair of mules. His vision was to create a subterranean oasis where he could live, work, and cultivate crops away from the harsh surface conditions.
Baldassare’s underground haven includes 65 rooms, ranging from a summer and winter bedroom to a kitchen, a bath, and even a fishpond. The complex spans approximately 10 acres and extends up to 23 feet below the surface across three levels. Ingeniously designed skylights and air channels maintain a comfortable climate and allow sunlight to nourish the plants. This innovative architecture not only exemplifies Baldassare’s ingenuity but also his deep connection to nature.
Amongst the stone archways and courtyards, Baldassare grew a variety of fruit trees. Some of these trees are over a century old and continue to bear fruit to this day. His underground gardens boast an extended growing season, with plants blooming in succession thanks to the unique structure. Exotic fruits like kumquats, loquats, and jujubes thrive here, and Baldassare even experimented with grafting, allowing multiple types of fruit to grow on a single tree.
Today, the Forestiere Underground Gardens stand as a testament to one man’s perseverance and creativity. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and designated a California Historical Landmark in 1978, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. Managed by Baldassare’s descendants, the gardens continue to captivate visitors with their unexpected beauty and rich history. As you explore this underground marvel, imagine the labor and vision required to transform harsh soil into a fruitful paradise. The story of Baldassare Forestiere is a reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the enduring legacy one individual can create.
