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Madrid: Spain’s Capital and the Beloved Strawberry Tree
Madrid is a city that knows how to shine. It’s bold, lively, and endlessly full of surprises—whether you’re exploring its royal palaces, relaxing in leafy parks, or sipping wine at a tapas bar that doesn’t close until long after midnight. At the center of all this energy stands a small but meaningful symbol: the bear and the strawberry tree.
The Strawberry Tree in Puerta del Sol
Your first stop in Madrid will almost certainly be Puerta del Sol, the city’s busiest square and a crossroads of culture, history, and daily life. Here, amid the buzz of street performers and the shuffle of locals and tourists alike, you’ll find El Oso y el Madroño—the bronze statue of a bear reaching for fruit on a strawberry tree.
It’s more than just a photo opportunity. This image has been Madrid’s emblem for centuries, appearing on its coat of arms, city flags, and even football scarves. Snapping a picture here isn’t just a tourist ritual—it’s like pressing pause in the very heart of Madrid.
Madrid’s Must-Sees
Once you’ve met the bear, Madrid opens up like a feast. Some highlights you won’t want to miss:
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The Prado & Reina Sofía Museums – Dive into Spanish art, from Velázquez and Goya to Picasso’s Guernica.
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Retiro Park – A green escape where you can rent a rowboat, stroll under chestnut trees, and visit the sparkling glass palace.
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Royal Palace of Madrid – Step into a world of chandeliers, gilded halls, and centuries of history.
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Gran Vía & Mercado de San Miguel – Shop the grand boulevard or taste your way through Spain in this vibrant market.
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Tapas & Nightlife – From cozy bars in La Latina to rooftop cocktails overlooking the skyline, Madrid’s evenings stretch far into the night.
A City to Be Lived
Madrid isn’t a city you just see—it’s a city you feel. It’s churros dipped in thick chocolate for breakfast, long afternoons over tapas, art and history around every corner, and evenings that somehow always turn into mornings.
And right at the center of it all, the bear and the strawberry tree quietly remind you of what makes Madrid special: a city rooted in tradition, reaching always toward something new.
