The barracks were built between 1828 and 1831 with an earth-covered flat roof. It partly took the place of the demolished St. Peter's Monastery. With the cannon positions on the field side, the defensive barracks served primarily as a defensive structure, but also as accommodation for soldiers. In order to accommodate more soldiers, an additional storey was added to the building in 1913/14 as a mansard roof. The military use lasted until 1963, after which it was used as a warehouse and office building until the 1990s.