The tower, built in 1492 by Pietro Antonio Solari, is located in the Kremlin. Previously, the boyar Sobakins' chambers were nearby, which may explain its ancient name. The tower stands out with its wide round base and sturdy walls. In the past, it served not only for defense. Inside, there is still a spring and a well that could have been used by the garrison during a siege.

In the early 18th century, after the construction of the Arsenal, the tower received its modern name. In 1707, preparing the Kremlin for defense against the Swedes, Peter I ordered the old embrasures to be expanded for the installation of new cannons. During the Patriotic War of 1812, the tower was partially damaged due to the explosion of the Nikolskaya Tower and the Arsenal. Restoration was carried out under the guidance of architect O.I. Bove from 1816 to 1819. In 1894, the tower was renovated and adapted for the needs of the Moscow provincial archive, changing its interior.

The rooms inside the tower have an octagonal shape and are covered with vaulted ceilings. A deep basement, accessed by a staircase built into the wall, conceals the well.

The height of the tower on the side of the Alexander Garden is 60.2 meters.