El Oso y el Madroño — Attraction in Madrid

El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree) is an iconic symbol of Madrid, Spain. Located in the heart of the city, this beloved monument has been a staple of Madrileño culture since 1867.

Highlights:

1.⁠ ⁠Historic significance 2.⁠ ⁠Charming design 3.⁠ ⁠Central location 4.⁠ ⁠Vibrant surroundings 5.⁠ ⁠Photogenic hotspot

Tips and Insights:

1.⁠ ⁠Visit at sunrise or sunset for golden light 2.⁠ ⁠Take a stroll through adjacent Puerta del Sol 3.⁠ ⁠Explore nearby cafes and shops 4.⁠ ⁠Learn about the monument's history and symbolism 5.⁠ ⁠Attend festivals and events in the surrounding area

Pros:

•⁠ ⁠Rich history and cultural significance •⁠ ⁠Picturesque design •⁠ ⁠Convenient location •⁠ ⁠Lively atmosphere •⁠ ⁠Iconic landmark

Cons:

•⁠ ⁠Crowded during peak tourist season •⁠ ⁠Limited seating areas •⁠ ⁠Some nearby street performers can be aggressive

Recommendation:

El Oso y el Madroño is a must-visit destination in Madrid. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty, history, and significance.

Practical Information:

•⁠ ⁠Address: Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain •⁠ ⁠Metro: Sol station (L1, L2, L3) •⁠ ⁠Opening Hours: Always accessible •⁠ ⁠Admission: Free

Additional Tips:

•⁠ ⁠Visit nearby Mercado de San Miguel for tapas and shopping •⁠ ⁠Explore the adjacent Calle de Alcalá •⁠ ⁠Consider purchasing a Madrid Tourist Card for discounts

History and Significance:

El Oso y el Madroño represents Madrid's coat of arms, symbolizing the city's resilience and strength. The bear and strawberry tree design dates back to the 13th century.

Awards and Recognition:

El Oso y el Madroño has been recognized as:

•⁠ ⁠A Symbol of Madrid (City Council) •⁠ ⁠A National Historic Landmark (Spanish Government) •⁠ ⁠One of Europe's Most Iconic Landmarks (EU Tourism Board)

Photography Tips:

1.⁠ ⁠Capture the monument at sunrise or sunset 2.⁠ ⁠Experiment with angles and perspectives 3.⁠ ⁠Incorporate surrounding architecture 4.⁠ ⁠Take photos with locals and street performers 5.⁠ ⁠Edit with vibrant colors to match...

Well hello Madrid, where the sun shines bright and the tapas are plentiful. But there's a different kind of snack that's been standing in the heart of the city for centuries. I'm talking about the iconic statue of The Bear and the Strawberry Tree (?) tree?

According to the tour guide, This bronze statue isn't just a landmark; it's a personality. A stoic bear casually reaching for a piece of fruit from a tree. The bear represents the city’s strength and wild animal population, and the tree symbolizes the land and its resources. (I said strawberry tree yes).

Now, let’s me explain the strawberry tree, I had to look it up; while it's called the "strawberry tree," the strawberries we know and love don't actually grow on trees. Right? The tree in the statue is a strawberry tree (is called Arbutus unedo, a n actual real fruit-bearing tree native to the Mediterranean region whose fruit looks similar to a strawberry. So while it's not the strawberry for your ice cream, it's a fitting symbol for Madrid's wild past.

This statue represents a serious medieval dispute. The city's official emblem commemorates a resolution between the city council and the clergy over rights to the forests and resources. They settled the debate by dividing the land, with the clergy getting the forests and the city gaining rights to the animals and other resources.

This historical resolution serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the separation of church and state. It's a timeless principle that we still debate today. The Bear and the Strawberry Tree, in its quiet corner of Madrid, shows us that these conversations have been happening...

Go just to watch the crowds and stay for the fun!!! Great statue of the bear and strawberry tree, and if you look for it, the morif is depicted as mosaic in the sidewalks leading away from the plaza. Take a group shot at the medallion marking the geographic center of Spain, and the marker that all roads are measured from. We wondered why the roads were blocked off from traffic leading into the plaza and learned there was a rally. So we got to see folks coming together. This place is all about the activity. The feel radiates for several blocks in all directions and it takes some walking before you get to neighborhoods and a bit more mundane surroundings. Wowsers, lots of folks on vacay and locals, all sorts of activity and relaxation, every tchotchke imaginable depicting Spain, ham, pets, kids, football, and funny sayings. Tons of shops offering traditional Spanish jewelry, pottery, and trinkets. Go for the aromas and stay for the food and drinks. With a little sleuthing, the surrounding area is a treasure trove of alleys and old roads, shops, bars, eateries, bakeries, bread, chocolate, and desserts, so many delicious...