Granada’s Iconic Alhambra and Cathedral Damaged by Earthquakes

Granada's Iconic Alhambra and Cathedral Damaged by Earthquakes

The Alhambra earns millions every year. Image: Pixabay

GRANADA’S world-famous Alhambra palace complex and the city’s beloved Cathedral have been damaged by recent earthquakes.

Some of Granada’s most iconic historical buildings have been damaged by a recent wave of earthquakes that struck the Andalucian city.

In the last two weeks, 1158 earthquakes have hit Granada – including five with a Richter Scale of 4 and another twenty-two above 3. For the city’s world-famous historical attractions earthquakes are nothing new – but the recent wave has increased previous damage in the Cathedral and created new problems for the Alhambra.

The Alhambra, built by the Moors in the mid-13th century, is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture on Earth and is listed among Spain’s top tourist attractions. The vast and complex building served as a palace and fortress, and has now received damage to its main tower. The structure was known to be relatively unstable for years, but recent seismic shocks has caused experts to rush to protect it from further damage.

Meanwhile, the city’s magnificent Cathedral –  built in the 16th century and designed by legendary Spanish architect Diego de Siloe – has had its previous seismic damage worsened by the recent earthquakes. A pinnacle collapsed in one quake and, although nobody was hurt, experts may have to take down the church’s five others to reinforce them from further damage. A crack on one of its walls, caused by the devastating 1775 Lisbon Earthquake, has also grown in size. Although the crack poses no danger to the building’s structure, it could cause issues for the preservation of a valuable fresco.


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Written by

Oisin Sweeney

Oisin is an Irish writer based in Seville, the sunny capital of Andalucia. After starting his working life as a bookseller, he moved into journalism and cut his teeth as a reporter at one of Ireland's biggest news websites. Since joining Euro Weekly News in November, he has enjoyed covering the latest stories from Seville, Spain and further afield - with special interests in crime, cybersecurity, and European politics. Anyone who can pronounce his name first try gets a free cerveza...

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