Seville is currently experiencing severe weather conditions: strong winds and persistent rainfall have prompted authorities to heighten their state of alert and have caused damage to parts of the famous Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower. At the same time, river levels are rising, and the Muro de Defensa has been closed as a precaution to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Collapse at the Giralda
On the morning of 5 February 2026, the Policía Local of Seville alerted emergency services after a decorative element of the Giralda became detached and fell onto the ground at Plaza Virgen de los Reyes. The piece was a “jarra de azucenas”, a candelabra-like vase adorned with iron flowers, forming part of the tower’s uppermost section. These vases were installed in the 18th century and symbolise the purity of the Virgin Mary.
The police precautionarily cordoned off the area around Plaza Virgen de los Reyes and the adjacent Calle Alemanes to ensure the safety of pedestrians and tourists. City technicians have already carried out an initial visual inspection. Further assessments are planned to evaluate any additional structural risks. Despite the cordons, the Giralda remains open to visitors, although the immediate area around the tower is inaccessible.
Experts attribute the collapse to the storm gusts of the low-pressure system “Leonardo”, which is battering Seville today with heavy rain and strong winds. Despite the incident, no injuries have been reported so far.
Storm Conditions, Flooding, and Road Closures
Alongside the damage to the Giralda, the low-pressure system Leonardo is worsening the overall weather situation in Seville. Authorities are closely monitoring the city’s rivers and tributaries, as persistent rainfall is causing water levels to rise and increasing the risk of flooding.
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In several areas, including El Coronil and Écija, precautionary evacuations were carried out to protect residents at risk.
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Streets such as Camino de Los Indios are partially affected due to high water levels and strong winds.
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The historic Muro de Defensa has been closed as a precaution to ensure public safety in light of rising water levels.
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The police, Guardia Civil, and municipal services are maintaining a state of alert and securing vulnerable areas.
So far, no major incidents have been reported, but weather warnings for wind and rain remain in effect, and the public is urged to exercise caution.
A Cityscape Between Normality and Risk
The incident at the Giralda highlights the vulnerability of historic buildings in urban centres in the face of extreme weather. At the same time, rising river levels, flood risks, and the closure of the Muro de Defensa underscore the need for preventive urban planning and coordinated disaster management.
The city authorities are relying on a combination of safety measures and preventive monitoring to limit damage and ensure the safety of the population. Evacuations, road closures, and continuous weather monitoring are being implemented to minimise the risks posed by wind, rain, and flooding.
Outlook
As authorities continue to monitor the situation in Seville, it remains clear that storms, heavy rain, and historic buildings present an ongoing challenge for the city. The events highlight the importance of early warnings, preventive measures, and technical inspections to avoid damage and ensure the safety of residents.
The coming days will be crucial in protecting the Giralda and other historic buildings, as well as the city’s infrastructure and the Muro de Defensa, from further extreme weather.
