Once upon a time, a bear stood next to a strawberry tree – and an icon was born.

The statue, ‘El Oso y El Madroño’ stands in this large square and is Madrid’s official symbol.

The area is renowned for its clock tower attached to the royal post office, as well as assorted shops, hotels and restaurants.

New Year’s celebrations are also held here – according to tradition, the locals eat one grape each time the bell tolls.