This Man Spent 40 Years Digging A Secret World Under His House (And It's Actually Genius)

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary patch of land in the middle of California’s Central Valley. But hidden beneath the surface? A mind-blowing maze of tunnels, courtyards, and gardens—all hand-dug by one man over 40 years.

Welcome to Forestiere Underground Gardens, an architectural wonder buried beneath Fresno. Built in the early 1900s by an Italian immigrant named Baldassare Forestiere, this underground retreat was designed to escape the brutal valley heat—and the result is nothing short of genius.

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Where to Find This Hidden Labyrinth

You’ll find the Forestiere Underground Gardens right in Fresno, tucked away off Highway 99. Unlike most hidden gems, this one is easily accessible, but you’ll need to book a guided tour to explore its depths.

What to Expect & When to Go

Best Time to Visit: Anytime! Thanks to its underground design, the gardens stay cool year-round, even when Fresno is pushing triple digits.

Must-Bring Items: A camera (because underground gardens? Yeah, that’s a flex), comfortable shoes, and a sense of curiosity—you’re about to walk through history.

What You’ll See: Hand-carved passageways, fruit-bearing trees growing beneath skylights, and an entire underground home complete with bedrooms and a kitchen.

Things to Do Here

Take the Tour: The only way to see the gardens is with a guided tour, but trust me—it’s worth it. The history, architecture, and pure creativity of this place will blow your mind.
Marvel at the Underground Orchard: Yep, Forestiere grew citrus trees, grapes, and more underground!
Escape the Heat: On scorching summer days, this is the coolest (literally) place in Fresno.

Why You Should Go Now

While it’s still a hidden gem, word is slowly getting out about this underground masterpiece. If you want to experience one of California’s most unbelievable (and underrated) attractions before it gets too popular, now’s the time to go.

So book your tour, step into the tunnels, and get ready to explore one of the most unique places in the state.