Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights

After 5 years of trying to get tickets through the raffle, we got lucky and received an email that provided a link to pay for the tickets. 4 months later we got to finally see it. The tour goes through the property and they tell you about the history of the family etc. The castle itself is only open for tours on the 1st floor and basement, the 2 upper floors are not available for the tours and that was very disappointing as we hoped to explore the whole castle. Lots of history there and the volunteers do a good job explaining it to the visitors. They have sometimes cancellations and you can check with them and if there is open spaces they allow you to take the tour. They have a small gift shop/welcome center were you arrive and check in.

I had tried for tickets a few times and was finally lucky enough to score one - and it was fabulous! This building/residence has a very unique history and the tour did not disappoint. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and gave so much insight into this castle. Highly recommend for anyone interested in history, architecture or just learning more about the Tovrea family and their impact on Phoenix. I would say the tour is more oriented towards adults but there were children on the tour I went on and they were still entertained!

Lived in Arizona for 30+ years and have always driven by the "birthday cake" castle but never been on a tour. Cool old nostalgic building. The tour was great and worth it to me as I enjoy visiting historic sites. On the guided tour you aren't allowed to the upper levels of the castle but there is interesting things to see on the first floor and the basement. Somewhat reminds me of visiting Hearst Castle in California. This is obviously much smaller and less to see but still interesting. The grounds aren't refurbished except for the cactus gardens but it sounds like there are plans at some point to redo some of the other buildings that have fallen down.

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights: Historic Icon and a "Jewel in the Sonoran Desert" is an intriguing site tucked off the highway with 100+ years of Arizona History surrounded by beautifully maintained cactus gardens.  I did not get to tour the castle itself due to the lottery for tickets however the view from the shop area was beautiful! Want to go back for a tour sometime!

It's a very pretty place, very verbal and visual tour, but you have to order tickets several months in advance. I placed my tickets at the end of September 2017 and attended the castle June 2018. The tour is an hour long, no hikes. They only show you two rooms and not the upstairs 🙁 kinda bummed about that, I wanted to see the upstairs. It is very clean, neat, and there is not much AC so it gets warm almost immediately. When you want to take phots, the photos are rushed, I wanted at least 20 minutes to take photos,but they rush you out. It is an Arizona experience, I do recommend to look around, but just be prepared several months in advance with tickets. Tickets were $20 each for an adult. No student discount.

We have been trying to get tickets for 22 years. We are giving up. There's got to be a better way. It's just as well, by the photos here, there's no bathroom for ladies only. Yuck!

Historic house that is iconic for AZ. Great information learned on the tour. I would recommend signing up to get tickets and take the tour. Very cool!