Situated in Madrid’s historical plaza, the Puerta del Sol, you’ll find this statue known as “El Oso y el Madroño”, or the “Bear and the Strawberry tree”. It was inaugurated in 1967 and is the symbol of the city of Madrid, found in the city’s crest.
The bear has been a part of Madrid’s coat of arms since the 13th century. Strawberry trees fruit (madronas) is very different from garden strawberries, being instead small, round, red berries with that supposedly taste like figs. The fruit is eaten fresh or can be made into jam or liquor.
