Curiosities of the sculpture “Bear and Strawberry Tree” in Puerta del Sol in Madrid

In your essential walk through Puerta del Sol, during your tourist trip to Madrid, one of the corners where you will surely take a photo is in front of the sculptural monument of the Bear and the Madroño.

In fact, it is the main image of the heraldic shield of the capital of Spain.

Located in the eastern part of the Puerta del Sol, in front of the entrance of the Alcala street, Bear and the Madroño It has become one of the icons of the city of Madrid, and one of the most sought-after statues by tourists.

Curiosities about the history of the “Bear and Strawberry Tree” as a symbol of Madrid

Before your visit, you will surely find it interesting to know some facts and curiosities about the sculpture of the Bear and the Madroño.

What is the origin of the Bear and Strawberry Tree as the heraldic shield of Madrid?

El Bear and the Madroño are protagonists of heraldic shield of the city of Madrid, and his image is represented in numerous places and documents.

The origin dates back to the 13th centurywhen the King Alfonso VIII It already used the image of the bear on its banners, which was very abundant in the area.

Why the strawberry tree appears in the coat of arms of Madrid

El strawberry tree It began to be represented on the city's coat of arms after a territorial conflict between the council of the town of Madrid and the church, so that the church was left with possession of the mountains and the church, with the pasture lands.

To record the agreement, from then on the bear was associated with the image of a tree.

Why is she a bear and not a bear?

Now, there is evidence that the bear It's actually a bear, since it represents a constellation associated with the myth of the two bears.

Date and characteristics of the sculpture of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree at Puerta del Sol

Contrary to what you may think, the sculpture that you can see in the Puerta del Sol It's very recent, so was sculpted by Antonio Navarro Santafe in 196. 7.

The sculpture is made of stone and bronze, weighs 20 tons and is four meters high.

Where is the sculpture of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree in Madrid

Since it settled in Puerta del Sol, the sculpture of Bear and the Madroño has occupied various places.

At first it was located in the eastern area of ​​the plaza, between the Alcalá streets y San Jerónimo Race, in front of the building Tio Pepe poster.

After the remodeling of the plaza promoted by Tender Galvan In 1986, the sculpture was moved in front of the Carmen Street.

And finally, after new configuration of Puerta del Sol, In September 2009, the sculpture has returned to the eastern area, now facing the Alcala street.

That's where you can take photos in front of the sculpture.

And if it's in the morning, you can complete the scene with the background of the school building. Post House.