Spain closes Alhambra Palace after earthquake causes minor damage to historic site

Spanish authorities have temporarily closed Granada’s historic Alhambra Palace due to a 4.8-magnitude earthquake that caused minor damage and injuries. The quake struck at 10:38 am on Tuesday, with its epicenter in Alhendín, about 10 km south of Granada. Andalusia’s Emergency Minister Antonio Sanz reported that while no significant structural damage was found, minor damage occurred in limited areas, affecting non-structural elements such as upper fortifications, plasterwork, and decorative features.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Spain’s most visited attractions, received about 2.7 million visitors last year. Three people were injured in the earthquake, which also caused cracks and falling debris in the surrounding area. The historic palace, an eighth-century structure and a prime example of medieval Islamic architecture, was closed as a precaution while inspections were conducted to ensure safety and assess the full extent of the damage.