It was built to guard the southern gate of the walls of Gradec, the medieval town. Its name probably comes from a bell, the campana latrunculorum, or "bell of thieves", which was rung every evening before the gates were closed. Since 1877 a cannon has been fired from the tower every day at noon, a tradition that still sets the clocks of Zagreb; a legend says it once frightened away an Ottoman army.
The tower can be climbed for a fine view over the rooftops of the Lower Town.
Be there just before noon to hear the cannon, then take the short funicular ride down to Ilica.
