Shortly after moving to Madrid, I noticed that every time I passed through Puerta del Sol, the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue was surrounded by tourists. At first, I didn’t quite understand why such an apparently simple statue had become Madrid’s symbol, until I learned more about Plaza Mayor in Madrid and discovered that the story behind it is far more interesting than I imagined.
Historical Origins of the Statue
This Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, officially called El Oso y el Madroño, is a three-dimensional representation of Madrid’s coat of arms. Built in 1967 and designed by sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafé, the statue stands 4 meters tall and weighs approximately 20 tons. The bear represents Madrid’s strength and resilience, while the tree it embraces is a strawberry tree (madroño), commonly found in the mountains surrounding Madrid. Several theories explain why the bear and strawberry tree were chosen as the city’s symbol, including connections to New Year’s Eve celebrations at Plaza de España in Madrid.
Symbolic Interpretation
According to historical records, Madrid and its surrounding areas were once bear habitats during medieval times. In the 13th century, a dispute arose between Madrid’s municipal government and the Church over land use rights, eventually reaching an agreement: the Church would have rights to the pastures, while the municipal government would control the forests and hunting rights. To commemorate this agreement, the city’s coat of arms featured a bear standing next to a tree. Interestingly, the original design depicted a male bear, which was later changed to a female bear because its standing posture better resembled a mother bear protecting her cubs.
| Element | Symbolic Meaning | Historical Background |
|---|
| Bear | Strength and courage | Wild animals that inhabited medieval Madrid’s surroundings |
| Strawberry Tree | Prosperity and life | Common local plant with edible fruit |
| Standing Posture | Protection and vigilance | Symbolizes the city’s commitment to protecting its residents |
Practical Visiting Tips
If you plan to visit the statue, I recommend going before 9 AM or after 8 PM when there are fewer tourists, making it easier to take satisfying photos. The statue is located on the eastern side of Puerta del Sol, right next to the Calle de Alcalá intersection, just a 1-minute walk from Sol metro station. Important reminder: street performers and pickpockets frequently operate around the statue’s base, so keep a close eye on your belongings while taking photos.
There are several worthwhile nearby attractions, such as Gran Vía (a 5-minute walk north) and Plaza Mayor (to the south). If you want to learn more about Plaza de España in Madrid and the city’s history, you can join free walking tours departing from Puerta del Sol, typically offered daily at 11 AM and 4 PM, where guides provide detailed explanations of the statue and plaza’s historical stories.
A Local’s Perspective
For those of us living in Madrid, the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue is no longer just a tourist attraction—it’s more like a meeting point. If you get lost, just say you’ll meet at the bear, and no one will be confused about the location. Every New Year’s Eve, thousands of madrileños gather at Puerta del Sol to eat 12 grapes with the clock chimes, and the area around the statue becomes especially crowded. This tradition has continued for over a hundred years, with the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue witnessing countless New Year’s moments.
Finally, if you truly want to integrate into Madrid life, treat the Bear and Strawberry Tree like locals do—as an old friend of the city, not just a photo opportunity. It represents not only history and legend, but also the spiritual symbol of this city.
