Darogheh House

History of Darogheh House

Darogheh House was built in the late Qajar period by the order of Yousef Khan Herati, the last Darogheh (chief of police) of Mashhad. The house was used for hosting official gatherings. Architecturally, Darogheh House follows the common style of historical Iranian houses (built on three sides). Its architectural elements, such as the wooden ceiling decorations, colorful tiles, winged angels and lions, and plaster and clay statues, especially the double-sided staircase terrace and its decorations, show influences from Russian architectural designs.

The Courtyard of Darogheh Mansion in Mashhad

This courtyard features an old stone-paved ground with a large pool at its center. Standing in this spacious courtyard, visitors are offered a complete view of the various parts of the house.

Summer and Winter Sections of Darogheh House

To escape the summer heat, the Darogheh ordered the construction of a pleasant summer section in this mansion. Wind catchers were installed in the rooms of this section to allow cool breezes to flow through during hot summer days and nights.

The mansion was also the first old building in Iran to be equipped with a fireplace. An interesting architectural feature of the winter section is the double-glazed windows, designed to prevent cold air from entering the house.

Darogheh’s Basement, Bakery, and Kitchen

Like other old houses, Darogheh House had large basements, referred to as Sardab, where water, fruits, and food were stored to keep them cool.

Since Darogheh hosted large gatherings in this house, there is a bakery and a large kitchen in the mansion.

Tea House and Photography Studio in Darogheh House

In the photography studio, you can immortalize your visit to Darogheh Mansion with beautiful photos in traditional Mashhadi and Qajari attire.

Make sure to visit the tea house in the mansion, where tourists are served tea in traditional slim-waisted glasses along with sugar cubes.

How to Get There from Refah Hotel

By personal vehicle: To get to Darogheh House, head to Danesh Three-way intersection and drive along Imam Reza Boulevard towards the shrine. Once you reach Falakeh Ab, enter the shrine underpass and exit at Navab Safavi. Continue to Navab Safavi 10 and make a U-turn until you see the signs for Darogheh House.

Public transportation: You can walk to the bus station at Falakeh Ab near the Holy Shrine and take the BRT line (Imam Reza Terminal - Tabarsi Terminal). After one stop, get off at Tabarsi Square. Walk back a bit and enter Tabarsi 1. The Darogheh Mansion is located between Shooshtari 7 and 9.