In the first half of 14th century, the Mongols invaded the city, and as the result, the original Genoese fortifications were ruined.

After the death of Khan Berdi Beg, the Republic of Genoa retook Sougdaia (then named Soldaia), and a new fortress was built around the city.

In 1958, after the transfer of Crimea to Ukrainian SSR, the fortress became a part of National Reserve "Sophia of Kyiv".

[6] The Genoese fortress is located on a mountain, surrounded by the Black Sea to the south and a moat to the north.

There are multiple buildings on the territory surrounded by the Genoese fortress, as well as structures outside of the walls, including as storage buildings, a water cistern, Padişah Cami Mosque, Church of the Twelve Apostles, as well as the remains of barracks built by Russian Imperial army.