In the 1680s, a small tower was erected between the Spasskaya and Nabatnaya towers of the Kremlin. Its octagonal roof, set on jug-shaped pillars, resembles the canopies of stone residential buildings of that time.

On the Kremlin plans from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a quadrangular structure with a low roof, presumably wooden, is depicted in the place of the Tsar's Tower. The name of the tower is associated with the legend that it served as a sort of canopy over the tsar's throne, from where the sovereign could observe events on Red Square. However, it is known that bells of the Kremlin fire service, known as the Spassky Nabat, were located on the tower.

The tower has well preserved its original forms. In its lower tier, there is a through arched passage that continues the walking part of the wall.

The height of the tower, including the weather vane, is 16.7 meters.