The Grand Canyon state is full of architectural wonders, but none as impressive or enchanting as a castle set in the desert. From several vantage points in Phoenix, including the freeway, you can spot a castle that looks a bit like a wedding cake. It’s almost a strange thing to see given its location but it invokes a sense of wonder nonetheless. This is Tovrea Castle in Arizona, and its unique design may look as though it belongs in a fairytale or between the pages of a Harry Potter Book.
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights is an architectural wonder that sits on top of a hill surrounded by over 40 acres of desert in Phoenix. Its unique design is nothing like you what would expect to see in its location.
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Built in 1928 as a hotel, Tovrea Castle was then purchased in 1931 as a residence. Today it is overseen by the Tovrea Carraro Society formed by a group of volunteers in 2010 who wanted it opened to the public.
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Tovrea Castle is a special place, to say the least. Its unique architecture can be likened to a wedding cake, and it is often referred to as the “wedding cake castle.”
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights/Facebook
If your curiosity is piqued, you must get tickets for a tour. However, tour sizes are limited and tickets sell out quickly, often months ahead of time.
janet-wunneke/TripAdvisor Regular tours are given on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and must be reserved through a lottery system.
If you are one of the lucky ones to score a ticket to the castle, the tour will lead you through the grounds and its outer buildings via a tram first.
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Next, a docent will lead you on an informative tour through the castle’s main floor and basement level. You will even have the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop.
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You can see why Tovrea Castle and its stunning desert grounds are referred to as a “Jewel of the Sonoran Desert.” There’s no other place quite as enchanting as this castle in the Arizona desert.
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights/Facebook
Have you ever been Tovrea Castle in Arizona, or at least seen it while driving around the city of Phoenix? If you’ve been one of the lucky ones to get a coveted tour ticket, tell us about your experience in the comments. For more information and to learn about entering the lottery for tour tickets, visit the Tovrea Castle website and give its Facebook page a follow for updates.
Chris English/Wikimedia Commons
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Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights/Facebook
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Regular tours are given on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and must be reserved through a lottery system.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Rachel Ewell/Google Photos
If you love architecture and you’re looking for a place to spend the night, try the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. It’s the most famous hotel in the state!
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Address: Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, 5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
