El Oso y el Madroño is a culturally and historically significant statue of a wild bear and a strawberry tree in Madrid, Spain. The stone and bronze statue is 4-metres tall, symbolic of the city’s coat of arms at the centre of the capital, to the east side of Puerta del Sol and between Calle de Alcalá and Carrera San Jeronimo.
Designed by Antonio Navarro Santafe at the order of the Spanish government, its striking appearance has represented the city of Madrid in the square since 1967, built from strong connections as well as material so as to last for years to come.
El Oso y el Madroño in Madrid - one of the highlights of 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Madrid (Read all about Madrid here)
A brief history of El Oso y el Madroño in Madrid
El Oso y el Madroño was inaugurated on January 19th of 1967 by the culture section of the City Council of Madrid, whose desire to preserve the primary heraldic icons of the city gave rise to the making of the monument.
The use of the bear and the strawberry tree for the coat of arms originated in the 13th century when its passant attitude style was dropped in favour of the bear, an animal chosen for bravery, leaning against the strawberry tree with both paws. This was to depict the resolution of a long power struggle over the control of Madrilenian animals and pastures.
What else is good to know about El Oso y el Madroño in Madrid?
Temporarily moved in front of Carmen Street for the remodeling of the square, the statue has been in two different locations in Madrid. After remodeling, the over 20-ton statue was moved back to its initial location in front of the building between Calle de Alcalá and Carrera San Jeronimo.
Nearby attractions to the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree include the Tio Pepe sign, Kilometer Zero, the Gran Via Museum, the Palacios Pavilion, the Salt Street Watchmaker, Piedra Escrita, Viaducto de Segovia, the Fountain of Cybele and the Cybele Palace.
El Oso y el Madroño in Madrid
Ubicación: Prta del Sol, 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Horarios: 24/7
Teléfono: +34 915 29 82 10
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