On a warm day in late October, our ASU Retirees Association group toured the historic Tovrea Castle. Built in 1928 by Italian immigrant Alessio Carraro, this “wedding cake” castle was intended as the centerpiece of a luxury resort amid desert gardens. Our visit began with a tram ride past the original Van Buren Street entrance and a stop at the Tovrea family tomb. At the castle base, we enjoyed sweeping views of Camelback Mountain, and one lucky member even got to ring the historic bell—a delightful start to our tour!

Inside, we admired the restored wood flooring and intricate ceiling in the living room, both carefully preserved to maintain the castle’s historic charm. Although we couldn’t explore the upstairs, a model in the living room showed us the full layout. The mock granite fireplace, complete with thumbprints from the same workers who helped build the Orpheum Theater, added character to the room, while a portrait of a dancer above it connected Tovrea Castle to Phoenix’s artistic past.

In the kitchen, we noted cabinets crafted from discarded bank lumber and a bullet hole in the ceiling—a dramatic reminder of Della Tovrea’s courage during a robbery. The basement offered more intrigue, with its “puff” plaster ceiling, hidden “egg nest” patterns, and a vault once used to store valuables and wine. Steep stairs and ventilation portals added a practical design for Arizona’s climate.

After a group photo at the front entrance, we took a final tram ride around the grounds, passing gardens, a bocce ball court, a reflection pool, and the Dovecote, originally built to feed workers. Thanks to the Tovrea Carraro Society and the City of Phoenix, Tovrea Castle remains a beautifully preserved piece of Arizona history. Our day was filled with history, charm, and shared laughs—a memorable outing for all.

Story by Paul Skiera 

Pictures by Maria Hesse