It is an old fortress that was the first to protect the city harbour from the northern side. It was named after the pre-Romanesque church located at its base. Chroniclers state that it was built in 1266, while it was first mentioned in archival records in 1345.
It formed a strong defensive point for the protection of the city harbour from attacks by land and sea, and until the construction of the Kaše breakwater, one arm of the chain used to close the harbour during the night and in times of crisis was attached to it.
From 1447 onwards, it was occasionally used for storing millet when needed, and from 1600 onwards it served for the storage of gunpowder and salt.
In 1884, part of the tower was demolished, its walls were lowered by four metres, and it acquired its present appearance.
