The citadel sits at the highest point of the district, and consisted the original part of the city of Rada'a.

The construction of the citadel precedes the introduction of Islam and dates back to the year 243 during the reign of Shammar Yahri'sh, the Himyarite king.

[1] Specifically, the upper part of the citadel dates back to the Himyarite era.

Later the citadel was restored and renovated during the time of Omar bin Abdulwahhab of the Tahirids dynasty.

[2] In September 2012, the western part of the citadel collapsed due to the rainwater and the lack of proper maintenance and restoration.