Tovrea Castle Carraro Heights
A 1920s 'birthday cake' castle with surprising Art Deco interiors, set amidst stunning desert cactus gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant desert weather
Tovrea Castle Carraro Heights
Best Time
Pleasant desert weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1920s 'birthday cake' castle with surprising Art Deco interiors, set amidst stunning desert cactus gardens.
"This historic icon is a 'Jewel in the Sonoran Desert' with over 100 years of Arizona history."
🎯 Book Tickets Months Ahead
Tickets are in high demand! Enter the lottery or check for releases months in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the castle and gardens. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Art Deco Interior
Inside the Castle
Discover a surprisingly Art Deco interior, a stark contrast to its exterior. Look for unique details like a green marble toilet seat!
Vast Cactus Gardens
Castle Grounds
Wander through expansive cactus gardens showcasing a diverse collection of desert flora. A beautiful complement to the castle's architecture.
Historic Family Stories
During the Tour
Learn about the Tovrea family and their significant impact on Phoenix history from enthusiastic guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Tickets: A Lottery Game
What to Expect on the Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Months Ahead
Tickets are in high demand! Enter the lottery or check for releases months in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the castle and gardens. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona heat can be intense. Bring water, especially for exploring the gardens.
📸 Camera Ready!
Capture the unique architecture and beautiful desert landscape. Photos are encouraged!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Months Ahead
Tickets are in high demand! Enter the lottery or check for releases months in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the castle and gardens. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona heat can be intense. Bring water, especially for exploring the gardens.
📸 Camera Ready!
Capture the unique architecture and beautiful desert landscape. Photos are encouraged!
🤔 Be Prepared for Limited Access
Tours focus on the first floor and basement. Manage expectations about seeing the entire castle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe Tovrea Castle as a unique and historic gem, with many praising the enthusiastic guides and the beautiful cactus gardens. While the lottery system for tickets can be challenging, the tour itself is generally considered worthwhile for its historical insights and distinctive architecture. Some visitors express disappointment about limited access to the upper floors of the castle.
"After 5 years of trying to get tickets through the raffle, we got lucky and received an email that provided a link to pay for the tickets. 4 months later we got to finally see it. The tour goes through the property and they tell you about the history of the family etc. The castle itself is only open for tours on the 1st floor and basement, the 2 upper floors are not available for the tours and that was very disappointing as we hoped to explore the whole castle. Lots of history there and the volunteers do a good job explaining it to the visitors. They have sometimes cancellations and you can check with them and if there is open spaces they allow you to take the tour. They have a small gift shop/welcome center were you arrive and check in."
Luis “Mr.Kopriti” Glinos
"I had tried for tickets a few times and was finally lucky enough to score one - and it was fabulous! This building/residence has a very unique history and the tour did not disappoint. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and gave so much insight into this castle. Highly recommend for anyone interested in history, architecture or just learning more about the Tovrea family and their impact on Phoenix. I would say the tour is more oriented towards adults but there were children on the tour I went on and they were still entertained!"
Rachel Ewell
"Lived in Arizona for 30+ years and have always driven by the "birthday cake" castle but never been on a tour.
Cool old nostalgic building. The tour was great and worth it to me as I enjoy visiting historic sites. On the guided tour you aren't allowed to the upper levels of the castle but there is interesting things to see on the first floor and the basement.
Somewhat reminds me of visiting Hearst Castle in California. This is obviously much smaller and less to see but still interesting. The grounds aren't refurbished except for the cactus gardens but it sounds like there are plans at some point to redo some of the other buildings that have fallen down."
Joshua Hedgecock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tovrea Castle is located off the I-10/SR 202 freeway in Phoenix, Arizona. It's easily visible from the highway, often described as a 'birthday cake' castle. Parking is available on-site for tour visitors.
While specific public transport routes directly to the castle might be limited, it's generally accessible by car or rideshare services. Check local transit maps for the most convenient options.
Look for the distinctive castle structure off the SR 202 freeway in Phoenix. Many locals recognize it as a prominent landmark.
The castle is situated in a desert landscape. While not directly adjacent to major attractions, its unique presence makes it a destination in itself. Consider combining it with other Phoenix historical sites.
The grounds, including the cactus gardens, are often accessible for viewing from the welcome center area even if you don't have a tour ticket. However, full access requires a booked tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are primarily available through a lottery system or by checking for cancellations. It's recommended to visit the official Tovrea Castle website for the most up-to-date information on ticket releases and booking procedures.
You should plan to book tickets several months in advance, as they are highly sought after and often released in batches or through a lottery.
Ticket prices can vary, but historically they have been around $20 per adult. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
Currently, the primary offering is a guided historical tour focusing on the first floor and basement. Information on other potential tour types or special events should be checked on their official site.
Tour times vary and are typically scheduled throughout the day. Specific hours are usually listed when you book your tickets online.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the castle during tours, but it can be rushed. Be sure to capture the unique Art Deco interiors and historical details.
Absolutely! The castle's exterior, the surrounding cactus gardens, and the interior details all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
The exterior of the castle against the desert sky, the vibrant cactus gardens, and the distinctive interior rooms are prime photo locations.
While generally permitted, be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your tour guide. Some areas might have temporary restrictions.
Visitors often capture architectural details, the desert landscape, and the unique historical ambiance of the castle. Medium format photography has also been noted.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Tovrea Castle was built by Alessio Carraro, an Italian immigrant, starting in 1929. It was intended to be a luxury hotel, but was never fully completed or operated as such.
The exterior has a distinctive, almost whimsical castle-like appearance, while the interior reveals a surprising Art Deco style, reflecting the era of its construction.
It was originally intended to be a boutique hotel and a luxurious residence for Alessio Carraro. However, it never fully operated as a hotel.
Construction began in 1929, making the castle over 90 years old. It's a significant historical landmark in Phoenix.
Carraro Heights refers to the area and the original vision of Alessio Carraro, the builder of the castle. The name Tovrea is associated with the Tovrea family who later owned the property.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that tours focus on historical narratives and may not hold the attention of very young children for the full hour. The limited access to upper floors might also be a point of curiosity for kids. However, the enthusiastic guides often do a good job of keeping everyone engaged.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1While interior photography can be a bit rushed due to tour pacing, the exterior and garden shots offer more freedom. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. The castle's unique character makes it a standout subject for both landscape and architectural photography.
+1🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Lovers
The guided tours provide in-depth historical context, making it an educational experience. The castle's story, from its ambitious beginnings as a hotel to its current status as a preserved landmark, is a captivating narrative. The surrounding cactus gardens also speak to the region's history and natural heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Deco Surprise
The interior design reflects the architectural trends of the late 1920s and early 1930s, a period of significant artistic and cultural change. The original builder, Alessio Carraro, had a vision for a grand hotel, and the interior design elements speak to that ambition, even if the hotel never fully materialized. The guides often highlight these unique interior details, making the tour an exploration of both history and design.
Navigating the Tovrea Castle Tour
Despite the limited access to the entire structure, the tours are highly praised for their informative and enthusiastic guides. They share fascinating stories about the Tovrea family, the castle's construction, and its place in Phoenix history. The guides' passion for the site truly brings the history to life, making it an engaging experience for adults and children alike.
Be prepared for a potentially rushed experience when it comes to photography. While photos are allowed, guides often keep the tour moving to stay on schedule. If you're a keen photographer, try to be quick and efficient with your shots.
The Desert Oasis: Cactus Gardens
These grounds are not just visually appealing; they represent a commitment to preserving and showcasing the unique plant life of Arizona. The well-kept gardens add another layer to the visitor experience, allowing for a peaceful stroll and appreciation of the natural beauty surrounding the historic structure.
While the castle interior tour has specific access limitations, the cactus gardens offer a more open and accessible area to explore and photograph. They are a testament to the desert's resilience and beauty, complementing the man-made wonder of the castle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit