Baldasare Forestiere was a Sicilian immigrant, a vineyardist and horticulturalist. Forestiere began in the early 1900s to carve and sculpt a thoroughly unique underground retreat to escape the San Joaquin Valley's excessive heat. After nearly forty years with hand tools and persistent effort, he succeeded in creating a cool subterranean complex fashioned after the "visions stored in my mind."

Forestiere worked without blueprints or plans, following only his creative instincts and aesthetic impulses. He continued expanding and modifying the gardens throughout his life. Baldasare Forestiere died in 1946 at the age of sixty-seven. After his death, the Underground Gardens were opened to the public as a museum.

He came to America in 1901 to escape the iron rule of his wealthy father and pursue his own dreams. The Gardens are a subterranean complex of patios, grottos, and garden courts interconnecting with passageways that encircle the living quarters of the self-taught artist and builder who sought to escape the brutal heat of Fresno summers.

Forestiere patterned his underground world after the ancient catacombs, which he so admired as a boy. Arches and passageways 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.

No plans were put on paper; each room and passageway originated in Forestiere's mind as he went. With the simple tools of a farmer. a pick, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow the young immigrant dug, chipped, and carved the unforgiving hardpan land for 40 years in his spare time. By the time he was 44 years-old, he had excavated and planted over 10 acres.

With no children of his own, the gardens passed to his 2 nephews. Descendants continue to administer the gardens even today.