The massive, four-storey tower was built in 1724-1729 by Balthasar Neumann to guard the south flank of the fortress. Above the three levels for heavy artillery is a platform for riflemen. In addition to the normal firing slits it has a further 21 vertical openings, angled downwards: these are the "Maschikulis" from which the tower takes its name.

On the valley side the tower is decorated with coats of arms of the Prince Bishop Christoph Franz von Hutten dating from 1727, the work of Jakob van der Auvera. Above them is a bust of St Nepomuk.