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The highest point on the island, at 358 metres and with 360° views over all of Menorca: from the port of Maó to Ciutadella. At the top is the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Toro and a small, charming café. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual, ideal for a long break. By mountain bike, the climb from Es Mercadal is short but intense, with a constant slope and tight bends; you need to regulate your pace well and not be fooled by the first gentle stretch. Tip: if you can, crown at sunset — the sunset from the summit is one of the most beautiful on the island.

The construction of the church began in 1719. The covering is Gothic in style with a cross vault and pointed arches. The single nave culminates in a rectangular chapel under a lower pointed arch that contains the altar. Particularly interesting are the neoclassical portals that connect to the sacristy. From 1736 the side chapels were opened between the buttresses with barrel vaults and arches with columns decorated with spirals and zigzags. The Capella de la Concepció deserves special mention. This octagonal chapel was built between 1745 and 1752. The floral decoration pervades the columns that separate the eight small chapels with superimposed galleries. The hemispherical dome contrasts, due to its simplicity, with the very rich decoration of the lower part. Although the author is unknown, the influence of the works of the masters of the Amorós family (the transept and the chapel of Gràcia, the chapel of the Ànimes of the Cathedral, Roser, el Socors, the Saura palace) seems evident. The façade and the bell tower were built in 1775. The portal with flared arches seems to be inspired by the Romanesque, but the door jamb is Renaissance. Other decorative motifs present in the temple date back to the beginning of the century, such as the murals (in grisaille) that adorn the presbytery and depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis.

Stunning views

This is a very entertaining and somewhat explosive short climb: in three kilometers, you accumulate 295 meters of elevation gain, with some slopes exceeding 20%. However, the views you'll enjoy during the ascent, and especially from the summit, make the effort worthwhile.

Definitely worth a visit!

Very nice view towards the harbor

A large sandstone quarry excavated from Miocene limestone rocks. It was in operation from the 19th century until 1970, and the marks of the excavations can still be seen.

This is an old quarry where stone was extracted for construction. Now, the place is quiet and has very beautiful views of the area. It is an interesting place to walk and see the nature that has grown there.