Taif boasts buildings that exude a magnificent charm and magic – unfortunately, most of them are suffering from a state of slow, relentless decay. But strange as it may sound, their dilapidated condition lends them an otherworldly, striking appearance. A particularly good example of this is the stately Kaaki Villa, not far from the old town of Al Balad in the Al Salamah district. It was built in 1939 by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Kaaki and was inhabited by him and his family until the 1970s. This magnificent mansion combines Arabic and Roman elements. It was luxuriously equipped, and its marble floors and columns are still spoken of with admiration today. The exterior walls are adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns. With its distinctive details and ornamentation, this architecturally striking building reflects the nobility that was once en vogue among the wealthy in the Hejaz. The arched windows and the entrance door on the ground floor remain magnificent even in their state of unchecked decay. Unfortunately, it can now only be viewed from the outside (as of March 2026).
