This fortress was built between 1214 - 1247, as a form of southern defense of Damascus against the threat of the crusaders in Jerusalem. However it is said to have been built originally by the Nabateans. In the Mameluke period Sultan Baibars renewed it.

Other ruins in Salkhad include the Ayyubid Minaret that stands almost intact in the main square. It is hexagonal in shape and is made from the local basalt. There are two white bands of Koranic calligraphy. There are also some tombs dating back to the Ayyubid period, which have beautiful calligraphy work on the headstones.