In the medieval era, a city needed fortifications to protect itself from external threats. Therefore, in the first half of the 13th century, Chur built a city wall. Towers reinforced the wall, which had the shape of a heart. In the early 16th century, the fortifications were renovated and renewed. It was during this period that the present-day Sennhof Tower was built, making it one of the younger towers of the city fortifications. It is not known whether there was a medieval predecessor to this building.

The Sennhof Tower is round. This shape allowed it to better withstand cannon fire than if it had been square. The slits also met the new military requirements, as they were suitable for firearms rather than bows.

A dry moat extended to the Sennhof Tower, which could be partially filled with water in case of defense. In the first half of the 19th century, the city wall lost all significance and was poorly maintained. By 1847, the section between the Sennhof Tower and the Schanfigger Törli had collapsed.