This is the northernmost provincial capital of Yemen, an ancient city built of clay bricks and mud. These buildings are a perfect example of zabur architecture, dating from pre-Islamic days. The Great Mosque was built in the 12th century.
The town's ancient walls have been partly renovated and the northern gate, ::I, is worth a visit to view the strangely twisted walls which surround it. The graveyard beyond the city walls dates back to the 9th century and contains many intricately carved stone tombstones.