FORESTIERE patterned his underground world after the ancient

catacombs of his native land. The Roman arches dominate the

underground landscape while the stonework provides stability and

beauty. But unlike the dark catacombs that protected the remnants of

the lifeless, Forestiere designed well-lit courtyards and grottos to

bring forth the radiance and vitality of life. This network of rooms,

grottos, and passageways once honeycombed almost 10 acres, and

numbered nearly 100.



FORESTIERE preferred his cool underground lifestyle to that

lived by most people of his time—above ground in hot,

wooden, “sweat boxes.” His unique home included a parlor

with fireplace, a summer and a winter bedroom, a courtyard

with a bath and a fish pond, and a kitchen with all the

conveniences of his era. This earthen home was his friend and

protector from all types of inclement weather.



Amazing Underground Sights and Wonders



IT HAS been said that “Beauty is in the eye of

the beholder.” Every twist and turn through-

out this delightful underground maze brings

a new beauty to behold. The stonework, the

scallop-shaped seats carved into the walls

and passageways, and the lush greenery of

trees and grapevines growing beneath the

ground proclaim Forestiere’s love for life,

nature, and the divine Creator of it all.



ESCAPING the intense Fresno heat is as easy as descending a flight of stairs. Step down into the cool,

welcoming arms of nature-shaded rooms and courtyards. Amazingly, the underground climates here

(micro-climates) change depending on the location. Temperatures can range anywhere from 10 to 30

degrees lower than above ground, or just a couple of degrees from one spot to another. This photo shows a

citrus tree (once bearing 7 varieties of citrus) growing at a second underground level (about 22 feet down).

The different levels also affect the timing of tree blossom appearance and protect them from frost.



California Registered

Historical Landmark

No. 916



A Fresno County and

City Historical Site



Listed on the National

Register of

Historic Places



Forestiere Historical Center

Presents

Forestiere Underground Gardens



Over

100 Years Old!

Since 1906



"To make something with lots of money, that is easy. But to make something out of

nothing --that now, is something!"

Baldassare Forestiere

