Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
1. Forestiere Underground Gardens Marker
Here, beneath the hot, arid surface of the San Joaquin Valley, Baldasare Forestiere (1879-1946) began in the early 1900's to sculpt a fantastic retreat. Excavating the hardpan by hand, he created a unique complex of underground rooms, passages and gardens which ramble throughout a ten-acre parcel. His work is being preserved as a living monument to a creative and individualistic spirit unbounded by conventionality.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 916
Plaque placed by the ... October 12, 1979.
Erected 1979 by California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Rick Forestiere Family. (Marker Number 916.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 1979.
Location. 36° 48.48′ N, 119° 52.898′ W. Marker is in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. Marker is on Shaw Avenue near Forestiere Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5021 West Shaw Avenue, Fresno CA 93722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sierra Sky Park (approx. 2.3 miles away); William Saroyan House Museum
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. Forestiere Underground Gardens - Today
The Underground Gardens are still under the care of the Forestiere family. Baldasare had no children, so the property passed to his nephews. There is now a third generation of Forestiere descendants making this national treasure available for all to see. Many British visitors are asked what they came to California to see, and often the answer will include Yosemite, Disneyland and The Underground Gardens. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted September 21, 2011, by Lester J Letson of 
Fresno, California.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
2. Forestiere Underground Gardens Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
3. Forestiere Underground Gardens Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 19, 2011
4. Entrance to Forestiere Underground Gardens
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,741 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 20, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
