Recognize that bear? It is not just any bear. This is the bear of Madrid. We are standing before the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. It is locally known as El Oso y el Madroño. This sculpture is more than just a pretty picture spot. It is a symbol of Madrid itself.
This statue represents Madrid’s coat of arms. You will see it all over the city. Look for it on manhole covers and even public bins. It is even on the logo of Atlético de Madrid football team. The statue was created by Antonio Navarro Santafé. It was erected in 1967. The City Council wanted to showcase Madrid’s heraldic symbols.
The story goes back to the 13th century. Madrid was a small medieval town. It was surrounded by vast forests. Wild bears roamed these forests. According to legend, King Alfonso XI was pleased. He caught a huge bear near El Pardo. He added the bear to Madrid’s heraldry. The bear first appeared on Madrid’s heraldry in 1211. It was on all fours against a silver background. This was during a campaign against Murcia. Soon after, seven stars were added. They represent Ursa Major or Ursa Minor. No one is sure which bear constellation it is.
A dispute arose between Madrid’s council and the church. It was about land ownership. An agreement was reached in 1222. The church got grazing land. The town got wooded areas. So the bear now stands with its paws against a tree. This shows the council owned the land. The tree is a strawberry tree or madroño. It was thought strawberry trees were abundant around Madrid. But modern botanists disagree. Another theory suggests its leaves cured the plague. But this was before the Black Death. The tree may simply be a tree with red fruit.
If you want to taste the fruit, try madroño liquor. Find it in bars around Plaza Mayor. It is served in chocolate-covered wafer cups. I recommend El Madroño bar. They also have great tiled illustrations. These show the development of Madrid’s coat of arms.
The crown was added to the coat of arms in 1544. Charles I bestowed the imperial crown on Madrid. This was before Philip II made Madrid the capital in 1561.
Interestingly, for some time, a dragon shared space. It was added in 1842. The dragon was inspired by a 16th-century tale. A fire-breathing dragon was carved above the Puerta Cerada gate. It was removed in the 1967 redesign.
The statue has moved three times within the square. It weighs 20 tons. You will see people touching the bear’s tail or heel. They believe it brings good luck. This is not a traditional Madrilenian custom. But it has become popular. The bear’s tail and heel are discolored from all the touching.
The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree stands 13 ft tall. It is made of stone and bronze. The tree is taller than the bear. The bear directs its attention to the fruits. This statue is a real-life representation. It embodies Madrid’s history. It reflects its identity. Take a moment to appreciate this symbol of Madrid.