Tovrea Castle

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights    

tovreacastletours.com
Tripadvisor (2) · Historical landmark
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Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, a Phoenix Point of Pride and a National Historic Landmark, offering guided tours of the Castle and Grounds, September through June. Closed Mid June through …
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, a Phoenix Point of Pride and a National Historic Landmark, offering guided tours of the Castle and Grounds, September through June. Closed Mid June through Labor Day.

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Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor · 4.0/5 · 50 reviews
5-star
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3-star
28%
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0%
1-star
14%
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Apr 4, 2023
Before going make sure you have tickets to get in. I saw this place on Phoenix's tourist website and it did not mention anything about having to get tickets 6 months in advance. We were lucky becau… Full review by stevekimberlym
Feb 26, 2023
If you have the opportunity, a tour of Tovrea Castle is very worthwhile. I tried unsuccessfully to get tickets twice through the lottery. After occasionally checking the website, I lucked out and sec… Full review by IlliniTrav
Oct 1, 2021
At long last we were able to tour Tovrea Castle and it was well worth the wait. I read about Tovrea a few years ago and was fascinated by the story and the idea of a castle in the middle of a desert.… Full review by Martin G
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Articles

This castle is a historic landmark that was originally made as a resort and again later used as a private residence. It has been designate…
triphobo.com
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights was built by a businessman Allesio Carraro in the year 1920. The castle has a beautiful architecture one th…
cityseeker.com

Questions & answers

Q:
Hi, Does anybody know what the ticket prices are? The website only states they are SOLD OUT. I just want a ball park …
Q:
Hi, Does anybody know what the ticket prices are? The website only states they are SOLD OUT. I just want a ball park range of what the ticket prices are. Are we talking $10 or $100? Nobody seems to post this.
A:
Tickets for regular tours are $20 - $25 per person; special events and fundraisers are higher. We are currently sold out through August 2020.
A:
Q:
Just wondering if the place is ever rented out for a business function? Looking for an early December Saturday for a …
Q:
Just wondering if the place is ever rented out for a business function? Looking for an early December Saturday for a few hours to serve a luncheon and have a financial advisor. It is an annual function in which Josh Levine also appraises antiques. Lasting maybe 2/3 hours.
A:
Yes, outdoor event spaces are available for rent. Interior locations are not rented out.
A:
Answer by Tamera Z · Jun 2, 2019
Q:
I will luckily have a chance to visit Phoenix in December from Asia and just discovered this piece of delicate gem in the …
Q:
I will luckily have a chance to visit Phoenix in December from Asia and just discovered this piece of delicate gem in the desert but was sad to see that all tickets are gone already. If I cannot go inside, is the castle still accessible from walk so that I can at least take a picture from the outside? Thanks a lot.
A:
You could take a picture from the parking lot but you can't get close to the castle without a ticket.
A:
Answer by Jean B · Sep 23, 2016
Q:
What is the history of this structure
A:
The Carraro Story To this day, the unusual looking structure sitting atop the knoll near what is now East Van Buren and 52nd Street, remains a curiosity to Valley residents and …
A:
The Carraro Story To this day, the unusual looking structure sitting atop the knoll near what is now East Van Buren and 52nd Street, remains a curiosity to Valley residents and passersby. Resembling a wedding cake or castle, Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights has a rich and interesting history – a history that began with the vision of one man, Alessio Carraro. Born in Italy, Alessio came to the United States and built a fortune in the sheet metal business in San Francisco, California. With modest beginnings as a shoe cobbler, Alessio became a successful land developer, gold miner and developed a prowess as a Water Witch. In 1928, Alessio moved to Arizona with dreams of developing the desert just east of Phoenix into a resort destination and housing subdivision known as Carraro Heights. The centerpiece of his design was a hotel – the main structure we see today. The building’s architecture and the surrounding gardens are the result of Alessio’s vision. Alessio, with his son Leo, oversaw the fourteen-month project which was completed in 1930. Alessio’s dreams were short-lived, however, as the hotel and a portion of the property were sold in 1931. Some speculate the nearby meat packing plant was to blame for dashing Alessio’s dream. Others surmise the timing of his venture, which paralleled the Great Depression, created financial stresses. Nonetheless, the “vision” remains today for all to enjoy and wonder about. Alessio eventually moved to Yarnell, where he envisioned a tourist attraction full of imaginary animals, trails and a tiny castle built by hand on top of a hill. Today, his venture in Yarnell is known as Carraro’s Grotto, which is privately owned. Alessio Carraro died in 1964, but his vision and imagination live on. More history available online if you use the 'Tovrea Castle' as your search. Hope this helps.
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