Think castles only exist in Europe? These castles in Arizona blend history, legend, and unexpected beauty—each offering a unique glimpse into the state's creative and cultural past.
Highlights:
Unique Castles in Arizona:
1. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Rating: ★★★★★
When you think about the United States, and the Southwest in particular, you don’t really think about there being any castles. However, the southwestern region of the country has several “castles” that are not only interesting to see but also have their own unique and fascinating stories. From a stone castle built into a cliffside by hand to an elegant castle estate, there is a wide range of castles to be found in the state of Arizona as well as castles of interest to just about every visitor to the American Southwest.
I first visited The Montezuma Castle National Monument in college and I found it quite impressive. If offers you a chance to view one of North America’s best-preserved cliff dwellings, offering a look into the windows of the land’s past.
This 20-room dwelling was built into a tall limestone cliff and shares a story of survival, ingenuity, and prosperity within the harsh landscape of the desert. Montezuma Castle was made one of the first National Monuments of the United States in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
The monument is a legacy of the area’s Sinagua people. Even after their departure 600 years ago, the Sinagua still inspire those who come to see the cliff dwellings.
Montezuma Castle National Monument, 2800 Montezuma Castle Highway, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, Phone: 928-567-3322
Getting there: fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and rent a car:
2. The Ashley Castle
The Ashley Castle in Chandler is a stately and beautiful English-style castle. You can plan a romantic wedding or an event. You can enjoy impressive outdoor garden rooms of the grounds and enter an elegant kingdom once you step through the antique doors of the castle. The castle is decorated with stunning treasures from Europe as well as fine linens and rich textures. While the main feature of the grounds is the splendid castle building itself, the outdoor gardens are my favorite part, and the driveway includes a charming fountain. The Ashley Castle hosts many special events, such as wedding, birthdays, and corporate events.
1300 S. Price Road, Chandler, AZ 85286, Phone: 480-857-8030
How to get there:
3. Tovrea at Carraro Heights
Tovrea at Carraro Heights is considered to be a desert gem. For 90 years, the castle has intrigued locals and visitors alike in the Valley of the Sun. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the castle is four stories tall and is 5,000 square feet of architectural wonder. The groomed cactus gardens and natural flora of the Sonoran Desert cascade from Tovrea Castle. The castle can only be explored on a tour, and it’s advised that you buy tickets as soon as possible before a visit as they often sell out months in advance.
5025 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008, Phone: 602-256-3221
This castle is easy to get to from Phoenix:
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