El Toro in

Catalan Catalan may refer to: Catalonia From, or related to Catalonia: * Catalan language, a Romance language * Catalans, an ethnic group formed by the people from, or with origins in, Northern or southern Catalonia Places * 13178 Catalan, asteroid #1 ...

, sometimes known by its

Spanish Spanish might refer to: * Items from or related to Spain: **Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain **Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many Latin American countries **Spanish cuisine Other places * Spanish, Ontario, Can ...

name of Monte Toro, is the tallest hill of the island of

Menorca Menorca or Minorca (from la, Insula Minor, , smaller island, later ''Minorica'') is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain. Its name derives from its size, contrasting it with nearby Majorca. Its capi ...

, rising to an elevation of above mean sea level. The mountain is home to the Sanctuary of the ''Verge del Toro''. The mountain's summit can be reached by automobile or on foot, from which there is a fantastic view of the nearby areas of the island. El Toro is designated as an

ANEI was a after ''Meiwa'' and before '' Tenmei.'' This period spanned the years November 1772 through March 1781. The reigning emperors were and . Change of era * 1772 : The era name was changed to ''An'ei'' (meaning "peaceful eternity") to mark ...

(protected natural area).

Etymology

The name "Toro" is an evolution, in part for the different languages and cultures that have passed in the island, of the

(Menorquí) word "Turó", which means

Hill A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain. It often has a distinct summit. Terminology The distinction between a hill and a mountain is unclear and largely subjective, but a hill is universally considered to be not a ...

. The name could also be derived from Arabic, coming from ''tor'' or ''al-tor'' which means 'height'.

Location

Monte Toro rises above the surrounding farmland and foothills approximately 2 miles (3km) east from the central town of Es Mercadal, in the centre of the island. It can be seen from places throughout the island and is instantly recognisable, due to the fact it is Menorca's only prominent summit.

Features

On a clear day, you can see the whole of the island, especially the northern region from Ciutadella to Fornells and even the mountains of Mallorca.

Monuments of interest

At its summit is the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Toro, an old Gothic church from 1670. There is also a statue of Christ, a gift shop, Match Digital's Spanish office and a restaurant with excellent views.

External links

Vista panorámica de 360° desde Monte Toro
Landforms of Menorca Landforms of the Balearic Islands Hills of Spain Tourist attractions in the Balearic Islands {{Balearics-geo-stub