The excavations uncovered the southeastern corner tower, a fragment of a massive city wall extending westward from the tower, and a moat (9.5 m wide) supported by a retaining wall. The city wall and the retaining wall (preservation height at least 3.5 m) were built of local kurkar stones, which were held together with clay. These finds point to the expansion of the city eastward, probably by the Hospitalers in advance of a possible Mamluk invasion. Historical texts testify that the Mamluk Sultan Bibars considered this expansion a violation of their agreement, resulting in his demolishing the city in 1265.

The following elements were uncovered: (1) a moat (maximum width 30 m, 14 m deep from the top of its outer retaing wall).  In its southeastern part were exposed the foundations of the pillars which supported a wooden bridge that connected the city with the fortress; (2) a system of outer retaining walls in which three large, semicircle towers were integrated, as well as an outer gate which was not excavated; (3) a system of walls, including an inner gate protected by a pair of semicircle towers in the east, another semicircle tower on each of its sides and an octagonal tower in the west, whose ground storey was vaulted; (4) an internal wall system flanked by halls on one side and by an open courtyard on the other.

Historical sources testify to the erection of the fortress in 1241, initiated by the senior of Arthur Jean II of the House of Iblin. His successor, Balian, transferred his rights to the fortress to the Hospitalers in 1261. The latter improved the fortress' fortifications, and built an industrial area in the northern part of its courtyard. The fortress was conquered by the Mamluks and completely demolished a short while after the destruction of the city in 1265.