Es Mercadal () is a town and

municipality A municipality is usually a single administrative division having municipal corporation, corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. The term ''municipality' ...

in northern Menorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands.

Etymology

The name "Mercadal" derives from the

Latin language Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...

''mercatum'', meaning "market". In 1301, King James II of Majorca decreed the establishment of a public center of commerce in Menorca, and the bustling open-air marketplace remains a principal attraction of the island to this day.

Features

Mercadal is dominated by Mount Toro ( El Toro), the highest point on the island. In mid-July, Mercadal is the site of traditional Menorcan festivities dedicated to the Roman Catholic saint Martin (Sant Martí).

References

External links

Mercadal's Town Hall Web pageMercadal's Visitors Guide
Municipalities in Menorca Populated places in Menorca {{Balearics-geo-stub