Ardar’s period of maximum splendour took place in the Middle Ages: it was one of the places of permanent and privileged residence of the Judges of Torres after the court was transferred there between the 11th and 12th centuries. The sovereigns decided to leave Torres because of the unhealthy climate and continuous Barbarian threats: they chose to spend a large part of the year in Ardara and spent the summer months in the castle of Burgos. The building of the main monuments in Ardara dates back to that period. You will see the ruins of the royal palace, an impressive complex with several floors, referred to in the documents as a palacium: the ruins consist of a 12-metre tall tower and what remains of the walls. It was the fulcrum of judicial power. Around the 'reggia', or royal palace, government and noble buildings began to appear. The other majestic work is the basilica of Nostra Signora del Regno (or Santa Maria del Regno) that reached us still intact and where weddings, enthronements and funerals of the reigning dynasty were once celebrated. On the subject of ceremonies, the celebration of the patron saint of Ardara attracts crowds of worshippers: the celebrations culminate in a procession on 9 May, accompanied by the choir of sos gosos, praise in honour of the Virgin Mary.