The Alhambra temporarily evacuated after a magnitude 4.8 earthquake in Granada

Granada shook strongly again this Tuesday, 18 August 2026. A magnitude 4.8 Mw earthquake, with its epicentre northwest of Gójar, in the metropolitan area of the city, led to the precautionary evacuation of the Alhambra and the suspension of visits to the monument while safety inspections are carried out.

According to revised data from Spain’s National Geographic Institute (Instituto Geográfico Nacional, IGN), the official body responsible for seismic monitoring in Spain, the main earthquake occurred at 10:37:45, with a maximum intensity of V-VI. The IGN classifies it as a very shallow earthquake.

Following this first tremor, further seismic events were clearly felt by the population. Those officially recorded by the IGN include a magnitude 3.9 earthquake near Churriana de la Vega at 10:53, another of 4.2 north of Alhendín at 11:34 and one of 4.0 east of Ogíjares at 12:39.

 

Precautionary evacuation of the Alhambra

The succession of earthquakes forced the Council of the Alhambra and Generalife (Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife) to activate its safety protocols. Initially, the Alcazaba was evacuated as a precautionary measure and access to the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaríes) was subsequently suspended, while people who were already visiting were assisted in leaving the site.

The evacuation was later extended to the Generalife and the inner area of its gardens. According to information released by the Regional Government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía) and reported by Europa Press, the evacuation had been completed by 11:45 and it was ultimately decided that the monumental complex would remain closed throughout Tuesday afternoon.

The Conservation team of the Council continues to carry out a detailed inspection of the facilities, and the collaboration of experts from the University of Granada (Universidad de Granada, UGR) has also been requested to assess the situation. At the time of writing, the inspections were still ongoing and no definitive assessment had yet been made public regarding possible damage caused by Tuesday’s earthquakes.

 

The Alhambra had already been inspected after the 15 August earthquake

Tuesday’s seismic episode comes only a few days after another significant earthquake in the Granada metropolitan area.

Revised IGN data place that earthquake at 01:04 on Saturday, 15 August, with its epicentre northeast of Alhendín, a magnitude of 4.8 Mw and a maximum intensity of V-VI.

On that occasion too, the Alhambra underwent inspections before visitors were allowed to enter. The Council later reported that no significant incidents had been detected in the palaces, walls, historic structures or green spaces, and the monumental complex reopened to the public at 11:00 on Saturday, once safety conditions had been verified.

Tuesday’s situation therefore led to the precautionary measures being activated again, this time with the progressive evacuation of the site and its closure during the afternoon as seismic activity continued.

 

Impact on Granada

Falling debris, cracks and other material damage have been reported at various locations in Granada and its metropolitan area.

Granada City Council (Ayuntamiento de Granada) and the Provincial Council of Granada (Diputación Provincial de Granada) have adopted precautionary measures, including the temporary closure of non-care public buildings and facilities. Emergency services remain deployed while homes, buildings and public spaces affected by the earthquakes are inspected.

The seismic activity has also led to precautionary evacuations at other locations and disruptions to various services in the city.

 

Granada Cathedral, the Royal Chapel and other monuments also close for inspection

Concern about the possible effects of the earthquakes also extends to other major elements of Granada’s historic heritage.

The Archdiocese of Granada (Archidiócesis de Granada) has officially reported that some churches have suffered damage inside and has ordered them to remain closed until they can be properly inspected.

Among the monuments and churches that remain closed are Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada), the Sagrario Church (iglesia del Sagrario), the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real), the Monastery of La Cartuja (Monasterio de la Cartuja) and Sacromonte Abbey (Abadía del Sacromonte), while the extent of the incidents is assessed.

These measures reflect the particularly precautionary nature of the actions taken in a city with historic heritage of immense value, where the authorities and those responsible for the monuments are prioritising technical inspections before normal activity resumes.

 

Monitoring

Specialists continue to study the evolution of the seismic sequence. Juan Vicente Cantavella, director of the National Seismic Network (Red Sísmica Nacional), has stated that the main earthquakes of recent days are closely related, although analysis of the sequence is continuing and it is not possible to predict whether another earthquake will occur or what its magnitude would be.

While inspections and seismic monitoring continue, the full reopening of the Alhambra will depend on the technical assessments and on ensuring safe conditions for workers and visitors.