The Archdiocese of Granada has ordered the preventive closure to worship of several of its main temples this Tuesday after earthquakes recorded in recent days have caused damage inside them. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Granada, the Sagrario-Catedral parish, the Royal Chapel, the Cartuja Monastery and the Sacromonte Abbey will remain closed until they can be inspected, while the condition of the rest of the churches in the archdiocese is also being checked.
The measure comes after the new 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded at 10:37 a.m. on this August 18, with its epicenter in Gójar, in the metropolitan area of Granada. The seismic movement, followed by several aftershocks, left at least three people with minor injuries and material damage in different parts of the province. It occurred three days after another 4.8 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Alhendín.
Five temples closed until they are inspected
The Archdiocese has explained that some temples have suffered damage inside and that the extent is still unknown. Given this situation, it has requested that they remain closed to worship until the corresponding inspections are carried out.
The measure affects five buildings: the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of the Incarnation, the Sagrario-Catedral parish, the Royal Chapel, the Cartuja Monastery and the Sacromonte Abbey.
These are some of the main religious and heritage buildings in Granada. The Cathedral, for example, is a Renaissance temple built on a Gothic floor plan whose Baroque façade was designed by Alonso Cano in the 17th century. The Archdiocese itself recalls that Philip II ordered the construction of one of its towers, which was to reach 81 meters, to be stopped precisely because of the frequency of earthquakes in Granada.
The Royal Chapel houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, while the Cartuja and the Sacromonte Abbey are also part of the city’s outstanding historical and religious heritage.
The rest of the churches, pending checks
For the moment, the Archdiocese has not announced the general closure of its churches. The situation of the other temples remains pending the information provided by the respective parish priests after checking their condition.
The decision adopted with the five buildings mentioned has a preventive nature while the extent of the damage caused by the seismic activity is determined.
The closure also affects the ordinary celebration of worship in some of these places. The Archdiocese itself includes Eucharistic celebrations in the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel and the Sacromonte Abbey during the summer schedule.
Two 4.8 magnitude earthquakes in four days
Granada has been experiencing a period of high seismic activity since last weekend. In the early hours of Saturday, August 15, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred with its epicenter in Alhendín, causing material damage and being followed by numerous aftershocks.
This Tuesday, a new 4.8 magnitude movement was recorded, this time with its epicenter in Gójar. According to the National Geographic Institute, the two earthquakes are closely related and are part of the same seismic series. Specialists point out, however, that it is not possible to determine whether a new movement of greater intensity will occur.
The second earthquake has caused new landslides and damage and has led the administrations to adopt different preventive measures. The Alhambra was evacuated and subsequently closed, while the Granada Metro reduced its speed and several public buildings and facilities were evacuated or temporarily closed.
The Archdiocese concluded its communication by entrusting itself to the patron saint of Granada: «We continue in prayer to the Virgin of the Angustias to protect and guard us.»