This is the only surviving pre-bridge tower of the Kremlin, designed to protect the bridges leading to the fortress. It was built in 1516 under the guidance of the Milanese architect Alevis Frazin. Low in height, surrounded by a moat and a river, with the only gates that could be tightly closed in case of danger, the tower posed a serious obstacle for those besieging the fortress.

The tower had no roof and consisted of two combat tiers, while the upper platform featured overhanging loopholes. In 1685, it was adorned with an intricate decorative top. The drawbridges over the moat surrounding the tower led to the side tower gates. To this day, the preserved slots for the chain mechanisms can be seen at the side gates.