Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights Phoenix

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights is a unique and iconic landmark located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. The castle is a historic building that was constructed in the early 20th century and is known for its distinctive architecture, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history. Today, the castle and its surrounding property are open to the public for tours and events, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past and a memorable experience.

History

Tovrea Castle was originally built by Italian immigrant Alessio Carraro in the 1920s. Carraro was a successful businessman who owned a large cattle ranch in the Phoenix area. He envisioned the castle as a centerpiece of his new subdivision, which he named Carraro Heights. Carraro hired architect M.H. Starkweather to design the building, and construction began in 1928.

The castle was built using a unique construction method that involved the use of “petrified wood” – logs that had been buried in volcanic ash and mineralized over time. These logs were discovered in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and were used to create the distinctive exterior of the castle.

The castle was completed in 1930 and was originally used as a home for Carraro and his family. The building was designed with several unique features, including a rooftop observatory and a basement shooting range. The castle also featured a large ballroom, a formal dining room, and a number of bedrooms.

After Carraro’s death in 1966, the castle changed hands several times and was used for a variety of purposes. At one point, it was a restaurant and nightclub, and at another point, it was used as a rental property. The castle fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.

In the 1990s, the city of Phoenix purchased the property and began a restoration project to bring the castle back to its former glory. The project took several years and involved the careful restoration of the building and the surrounding gardens. Today, the castle and its grounds are open to the public for tours and events.

Architecture and Design

Tovrea Castle is a unique example of Southwestern architecture that blends various design styles, including Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and Art Deco. The building is constructed using petrified wood, stucco, and stone, giving it a distinctive and memorable appearance.

The castle is three stories tall and features a flat roof with parapets and balconies. The building has a central tower with an observatory on the top floor, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The castle’s exterior is decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs, as well as colorful tile work and wrought iron details.

The interior of the castle is just as impressive as the exterior. Visitors to the castle can see the original fixtures and furnishings, which have been carefully restored and maintained. The castle features a large ballroom, a formal dining room, a library, several bedrooms, and a number of unique features, such as the basement shooting range and the rooftop observatory.

Gardens

The gardens surrounding Tovrea Castle are a highlight of any visit to the property. The gardens were originally designed by Alessio Carraro’s wife, Della, and were restored as part of the castle’s renovation project. The gardens are spread out over 44 acres and feature a variety of cacti, succulents, and other desert plants.

One of the most distinctive features of the gardens is the “cactus garden,” which features over 5,000 cacti arranged in a unique design. The garden also includes a rose garden, a vegetable garden, and a number of other themed areas.