The Stunning Building In Tucson, Arizona That Looks Just Like Hogwarts
Katie Lawrence
Author
Attention, Potterheads! If you’re in perpetual wait for your invitation to Hogwarts to arrive, you’ll be pleased to learn there’s a building in Tucson that looks just like it. One of the most impressive castles in Arizona, Mollohan Castle is a magical destination for your next event – or overnight getaway!
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Visit the Mollohan Castle website for more information, including the current nightly rate.
Have you ever stayed at Mollohan Castle? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Looking for more great places to stay? Don’t forget to check out Booking.com.
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Castles In Arizona
Are there castles in Arizona?
Arizona does not have castles in the traditional, medieval sense, but there are a few structures and locations that are referred to as "castles" due to their distinctive architecture or historical significance.
- Montezuma Castle: Montezuma Castle, near Camp Verde, is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Built by the Sinagua people around 700 AD, it was mistakenly attributed to the Aztec emperor Montezuma, hence the name. It is not a castle in the European sense but is a significant and protected archaeological site.
- Mystery Castle: Located in Phoenix, Mystery Castle is a more modern structure built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley. It is made from various materials, including stone, adobe, and automobile parts, and has a quirky, castle-like appearance. It is open for tours, allowing visitors to explore its unique architecture and history.
- Tovrea Castle: Also located in Phoenix, Tovrea Castle is a historic structure and landmark built in the 1920s. It resembles a wedding cake and is surrounded by extensive cactus gardens. It is a point of interest due to its unique architecture and associated history.
While these structures are not castles in the traditional sense, they each offer a unique glimpse into Arizona's diverse history and cultural heritage.
What happened at Montezuma Castle?
Montezuma Castle, near Camp Verde, Arizona, is a well-preserved cliff dwelling constructed by the Sinagua people around 700 AD, serving as a remarkable example of early engineering and construction techniques. Contrary to the implication of its name, it has no connection to the Aztec emperor Montezuma; early European-American explorers in the 19th century mistakenly attributed the structure to him, even though the dwelling was abandoned over 40 years before Montezuma was born.
The Sinagua, agriculturalists, and traders, built this multi-story, 20-room dwelling approximately 90 feet above the valley floor, providing shelter and protection. The reasons for its abandonment around 1425 AD remain unclear but may include prolonged drought, resource depletion, or conflicts. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a United States National Monument, and it is currently managed by the National Park Service, offering visitors insights into the life and culture of the Sinagua people, although access to the actual structure is restricted to preserve its integrity.