Historic Sites in Granada Damaged as Repeated Earthquakes Close Alhambra's Alcazaba

Major sections within the Alhambra remain closed following an earthquake in the Spanish city of Granada, marking its second major seismic event in four days. While most of the Alhambra reopened, routes through the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife were altered to allow visitors to evacuate quickly if further tremors occurred. The Alcazaba, the oldest section of the medieval palace and fortress complex, remains closed until further notice according to local reports. Parts of the Unesco World Heritage Site were evacuated and access was restricted after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the town of Gojar, about 10km south of Granada. The event was followed by several tremors with magnitudes above 4.

Authorities have not reported physical damage to the Alhambra, which was inspected before reopening, with restrictions introduced as a precaution while seismic activity continues. Tuesday's earthquakes left three people lightly injured, including a child taken to hospital, and caused further damage to buildings in Granada and surrounding municipalities. About 600 residents were evacuated while their homes were inspected, with most of those affected living in Las Gabias. Emergency services received more than 500 calls and treated 14 people, primarily for panic and anxiety, as residents moved into streets and open spaces. Large cracks, fallen masonry, and damaged facades were reported across the affected area, though authorities noted that inspections had not identified widespread structural instability.

The tremors followed a 4.8-magnitude earthquake near Alhendin that damaged homes, vehicles, and several churches. Granada Cathedral remains closed while its tower, vaults, and exterior features are examined after fragments fell from its walls and vaults. Designed principally by Diego de Siloe, the cathedral is one of Spain’s most important examples of Renaissance architecture. Additional damage was recorded at the Church of San Miguel Bajo in the Albaicin, where tiles and part of the exterior cornice fell into the adjoining square. Small pieces of masonry also fell inside the church and along an upper cloister at the Monastery of San Jeronimo.

The Archdiocese of Granada reported interior damage at five churches following the initial Saturday earthquake: the Basilica of Nuestra Senora de las Angustias, Santa Maria Magdalena, San Miguel Bajo, Nuestra Senora de Gracia, and Santos Justo y Pastor. The disruption follows an earthquake preparedness exercise held at the Alhambra, which simulated damage to historic structures within the complex with support from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, firefighters, and conservation specialists. As at least 10 more earthquakes were recorded around Granada overnight, Andalusian authorities continued to operate the province’s earthquake plan while inspections of homes, public buildings, and monuments progressed.