The Alhambra complex in Granada, Spain, was suddenly closed for the remainder of the day, with visitors not allowed to enter, following a series of earthquakes that struck the southern province on Tuesday. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by approximately 2.7 million people last year, is a historic palace, fortress, and garden complex located on a hill overlooking Granada.
Earthquakes prompt safety closure
According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), three tremors exceeding a magnitude of 4.0 hit the region. The seismic activity caused minor damage to several buildings and prompted the temporary closure of museums, sports facilities, and parts of the Alhambra complex, where visitor access was restricted as a safety precaution.
Authorities reported that at least three people sustained minor injuries, including a child who was taken to hospital for treatment. Regional emergency chief Antonio Sanz said officials were monitoring the situation closely while assessing the extent of the damage.
Minor damage to heritage site
Speaking at an evening press briefing, Sanz noted that there were "very localised situations" of minor damage to "non-structural elements", including battlements, plasterwork and decorative elements. He said: "That must be taken into account in terms of visitor safety, but not from the point of view of risk to our incredibly rich heritage."
Granada's metro operator announced on the social media platform X that train speeds would be reduced to 30 kph (19 mph) as a precaution, while local media reported the evacuation of several hotels in the affected areas. The tremors caused damage to a number of buildings, mainly residential properties, with large cracks appearing in walls, sections of facades breaking away, and bricks scattering across pavements.
