In the very heart of the Spanish capital, in Puerta del Sol square, there is a monument dedicated to the city's symbol – the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. You will easily find its image on the city's coat of arms, on the paving stones, on police cars, on park benches, and on countless postcards and key chains.
It is believed that this image became a symbol of Madrid as early as 1226. There are several versions regarding its meaning. According to one of them, the capital of Spain lies under the constellation Ursa Minor, and on the site where the city was founded there used to be a grove of strawberry trees. Yes, yes, you heard that right – strawberry trees! True, it is worth admitting that strawberries do not grow on them - in Spanish this tree is called “Madroño” and belongs to the heath family, while the reason for this translation into Russian remains a mystery. During your walks you will come across quite a few such trees throughout Madrid.
There is also a second interpretation of the image of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. Supposedly, this composition reflects the discord that existed on these lands even in ancient times. Back then all possessions were divided between the church, responsible for agricultural lands, and the state – the owner of hunting grounds.
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