The coastal batteries of Cervia and Moresca were built by the French troops garrisoned at San Felice Circeo in 1811, replacing the 16th-century towers of the same names, by then reduced to ruins. Built during the Napoleonic occupation of the Kingdom of Naples, these structures were the last major coastal fortification works on the promontory before modern times; today they are in a very poor state and have repeatedly been flagged by local associations as in need of restoration.
The 15th-16th-century towers, after intensive use, were badly deteriorated and inadequate by the early 19th century. In the part of Italy under French rule too, changing military needs called for new fortifications in strategic places. So small forts were also built in the territory of San Felice, one near Torre Cervia and one near Torre Moresca. After Napoleon’s army conquered the areas that had belonged to the Papal States, San Felice immediately proved useful as a strategic location. Here, between 1810 and 1814, the pro-French troops led by Commander Vincent defended themselves against the Neapolitans who invaded the Papal States after breaking their alliance with Napoleon. On 8 February 1814 the enemy, coming from Anzio, landed right at the Circeo and camped on the Roman acropolis. With the help of the people of San Felice, the French were induced to surrender to avoid a battle, and the Neapolitans held the area only until the following April, after which they left it for good.
The Moresca fort, which survives almost intact, had a sturdy enclosure wall, two gun positions, a sentry box (guard tower), a small powder magazine and the barracks, now roofless.
