The Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, otherwise known as the Jewel in the Desert, is located in Phoenix, Arizona. When it was completed in 1930, the castle was located seemingly in the middle of the nowhere. Today, the 40 acres of protected desert landscape is surrounded by bustling metropolitan Phoenix. The 5,000 square foot, 4-story castle sits at the highest point on the property. The castle has a tiered appearance, which is colloquially referred to as wedding cake style.

  • What is unique about the cactus garden surrounding the castle?
    • The cactus garden contains species from Arizona, New Mexico, and California, as well as from Central and South America, Australia, and Africa.
    • Over 500 species are planted in the garden, each carefully marked with its scientific name since they were first planted in the 1920s.
    • White river rock from the Salt River lines each of the garden beds.
    • The gardens include two ponds, a game court, and a horseshoe area.
    • In the 1930s, the Tovrea family added an aviary, reflecting pool, rose garden, and a large concrete patio.
  • What is the history of the castle’s construction?
    • Construction began in the 1920s, led by Alessio Carraro, an Italian immigrant who moved to America in 1907.
    • Carraro, originally a shoe cobbler, built a fortune in sheet metal in San Francisco and was also known as a gold miner, land developer, and water witch.
    • In 1928, he moved to Phoenix to develop a resort and housing subdivision named Carraro Heights, with the castle designed as a hotel centerpiece.
    • The cactus garden was built by M. Moktatchev, a Russian immigrant who proposed the idea to Carraro.
    • For unknown reasons, Carraro sold the hotel less than a year after its completion.
  • Who were the second owners of the castle?
    • The property was purchased by Edward Ambrose Tovrea, a successful Phoenix businessman known for his meat packing company, the Arizona Packing Company.
    • Tovrea died within a year of purchasing the property, but his wife, Della, continued to live in the castle until her death in 1969.
  • When did the City of Phoenix acquire the castle?
    • In 1993, the castle and 44 surrounding acres were purchased by the City of Phoenix.
    • The purchase was made possible after citizens approved a bond measure to raise funds.
    • Restoration of the gardens began in 1998, using historic photographs to replant original species.
  • What is the role of the Tovrea Carraro Society?
    • The Tovrea Carraro Society was formed in 2010 to assist with fundraising and management of the castle and gardens.
    • Thanks to the society’s efforts, the property opened to the public in 2012.
    • Restoration projects are still ongoing.
    • The castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project and an official Phoenix Point of Pride.
  • How can visitors tour the castle and gardens?
    • The property is open to visitors by tour only.
    • Volunteers lead tours of both the castle and the surrounding cactus gardens.
    • Tours begin with a tram ride exploring the gardens and outbuildings, then continue through the basement and ground floor of the castle.
    • Tours last approximately two hours.
    • Due to limited occupancy, reservations must be made in advance.
    • Tours are very popular and fill up quickly.
    • Reservations open in July each year and spaces are booked fast.
  • Are there any special events or seasonal tours?
    • Yes, special event tours are scheduled throughout the year.
    • The Harvest Moon Tour takes place on select evenings in October and includes refreshments on the castle’s patio, which is normally closed to tours.
    • Evening twilight tours are available on select weekends in June.
  • How can volunteers contribute to the castle and gardens?
    • The castle and gardens rely heavily on volunteers for support.
    • Garden Days are held on weekends during the cooler months, where volunteers can sign up to help with weeding and planting.

5025 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008, Phone: 602-256-3221

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