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Out in the desert, most think of a cactus-strewn landscape of rocks, dunes, and even mountains. However, do you know that Arizona has another feature here and there that’s a little different from the usual desert variety? Yes, we’re talking the castles! We have created a list of historical and ancient castles to visit near Phoenix, AZ for a trip.
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
A historic destination in Phoenix, AZ that will be open for tours September through mid-June, Tovrea Castle was built upon a hill in a housing subdivision known as Carraro Heights. Alessio Carraro finished it in 1930 with a dream of making the main design into a hotel, and though the structure changed hands a few times before retiring in a purchase by the City of Phoenix in the early 1990s.
Mystery Castle
800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Built back in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter Mary Lou Gulley, this stone castle in Phoenix, AZ features some of the most unique architecture and decor including various southwestern antique furnishings. Featuring 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces, this place was a love letter in masonry from father to daughter before his passing, and Mary Lou Gulley gave tours of her home until her death in 2010, whereupon the Mystery Castle Foundation stepped in to keep the tradition alive.
The Ashley Castle
1300 S Price Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
Appointments are required to tour this stunning wedding venue near Phoenix, but the views are well worth it. The Ashley Castle is a modern dream that started from a purchase of two antique wooden doors, rumored to have come all the way from Asia. The couple who purchased these doors began to formulate the dream of a perfect, majestic castle that screams regency. They did it justice!
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ
Once erroneously believed to be a castle built for or by king Montezuma, Montezuma Castle is actually a series of cliff dwellings long abandoned by the Sinagua people, who lived near Beaver Creek in the 12th century. This set of ruins has become a national monument now, with the goal of preserving and understanding the Native American cultures of the Southwest.
Mollohan Castle
1939 W Mollohan Dr, Tucson, AZ 85746
Mollohan Castle is an event venue based in Tucson. The castle celebrates a rustic, elegant feel for weddings and other events and even overnight stays, with much flexibility that makes them the premier event destination of the Tucson area.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
9051 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Sure, it’s a gimmick. It’s also a castle, though, and when you arrive, you are far more likely to enjoy a medieval European atmosphere than in any other castle nearby. If you haven’t tried Medieval Times, but you enjoy the pageantry, the Renaissance Faire, or even just a bit of jousting, it’s most certainly worth the visit. Even just getting a bite to eat (with your hands, of course) is a good reason to check out this castle near you in Arizona for fun.
Featured image credit: Ashley Castle
