Antonio Navarro Santafé Sculptor
El Oso y el Madroño
Puerta del Sol, Madrid
The city’s most loved emblem. Since 1967, the bear and the strawberry tree have welcomed people in the heart of Madrid.
Discover its history 1967 Installed
4 m Height
Symbol of Madrid Civic emblem
Visit
In the heart of Madrid
Set in Puerta del Sol, a traditional meeting point and Spain’s kilometre zero, El Oso y el Madroño is an essential stop for anyone wanting to feel the rhythm of the city.
Puerta del Sol, Centro, 28013 Madrid
How to get there El Oso y el Madroño Puerta del Sol, Madrid
History
A symbol with deep roots
Inspired by Madrid’s coat of arms, the bear reaching for the fruit of the strawberry tree has represented the city’s strength and character for centuries.
View timeline13th century
The symbol takes shapeThe bear and the strawberry tree first appear in the coat of arms of the town of Madrid.
1967
The statue arrives in SolAntonio Navarro Santafé creates the bronze sculpture that welcomes the city today.
Today
A meeting pointA witness to daily life and a familiar place to meet for Madrilenians and visitors.
Best view
Stand close to the pedestal to see the bronze texture, then step back to read the whole scene.
Transport
Sol station connects Metro and Cercanías, with pedestrian exits just a few metres from the monument.
Context
From here you can take in the Real Casa de Correos clock, Kilometre Zero, and the daily life of the square.