Known as the "Jewel in the Desert," Tovrea Castle rises above a sea of cacti in Phoenix, Arizona. Built in 1930, this four-story, 5,000-square-foot castle once stood isolated in the desert. Today, it remains a remarkable landmark nestled within 40 acres of protected Sonoran landscape—its distinctive wedding-cake design and storied history making it a beloved Phoenix treasure.

Recommended For

History Buffs: Learn about Italian immigrant Alessio Carraro’s vision, the Tovrea family legacy, and Phoenix’s early development.

Garden Enthusiasts: Explore a unique cactus garden with 500+ species from five continents, planted since the 1920s.

Tour Lovers: Enjoy immersive, volunteer-led tours combining architecture, gardens, and Arizona lore.

What to Expect

  • Location: 5025 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
  • Setting: 40-acre desert preserve surrounded by urban Phoenix
  • Castle Size: Four stories and 5,000 square feet, perched at the property’s highest point
  • Architecture: Wedding cake-style design with a tiered exterior and unique metalwork features

Cactus Garden Highlights

  • Over 500 species of cacti and succulents from Arizona to Africa
  • White Salt River rock-lined beds for desert landscaping appeal
  • Features include two ponds, a game court, horseshoe area, and reflecting pool
  • Historic additions by the Tovrea family: aviary, rose garden, and a large concrete patio

Castle Origins

  • Alessio Carraro, an Italian immigrant and entrepreneur, began construction in the 1920s
  • Originally intended as a hotel centerpiece for a resort and subdivision called Carraro Heights
  • Russian immigrant M. Moktatchev designed and built the cactus garden
  • Carraro sold the castle within a year of completion for unknown reasons

The Tovrea Family Legacy

  • Purchased by Edward Ambrose Tovrea, founder of Arizona Packing Company
  • Della Tovrea lived in the castle until her death in 1969

City Acquisition & Restoration

  • City of Phoenix purchased the castle and 44 acres in 1993 through a voter-approved bond
  • Restoration of the gardens began in 1998, using historic photographs and original plantings

Preservation & Public Access

  • The Tovrea Carraro Society, founded in 2010, manages restoration and fundraising
  • Opened to the public in 2012; still undergoing ongoing preservation work
  • Recognized as an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project and Phoenix Point of Pride
  • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Tours & Visitor Info

  • Guided tours only, led by trained volunteers
  • Start with a tram tour of the cactus garden and outbuildings
  • Includes access to the castle’s basement and ground floor
  • Tour duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Advance reservations required; spots fill quickly when released each July

Special Events

  • Harvest Moon Tour: Evening tours in October with refreshments on the castle patio
  • Twilight Tours: Held in June on select weekends, perfect for golden-hour photography

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Garden Days: Held on cool-weather weekends for hands-on help with weeding and planting
  • Volunteer docents and tour guides help keep this historic site running

Contact & Map

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
5025 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: 602-256-3221
tovreacastletours.com

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