The Andalusian Government has approved emergency works by the Alhambra and Generalife Trust, part of the Ministry of Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport, to consolidate the battlements at the Alcazaba, a significant part of the Alhambra complex, following earthquakes that struck Granada on 15 and 18 August 2026. Both tremors registered a magnitude of 4.8 and intensity levels of V-VI.
The emergency measures have a budget of €702,738.64. Inspections conducted by technicians from the Alhambra and Generalife Trust, alongside specialists from the University of Granada, revealed cracks and fractures in the battlements and parapets that crown the Torre del Homenaje and Torre Quebrada. These structures were constructed using a vulnerable technique known as tapia careada during restorations carried out between 1920 and 1922, as opposed to the more resilient medieval calicostrada technique.
Both towers are located in a high-traffic area for visitors to the Alcazaba, necessitating the restriction of access to ensure safety. However, shortly after the inspections, an alternative route was established to allow visitors to resume access to the Alcazaba while ensuring their safety.
The intervention will include archaeological monitoring and involves the installation of scaffolding and protected walkways to facilitate visits. Other works will consist of consolidating structures with lime mortars, sealing and stitching cracks, protecting surfaces, and repairing roofs and gargoyles. Additionally, a photogrammetric survey and structural characterisation study will be conducted as part of the preparatory work. The estimated duration for these repairs is nine months.
